What was once a medicine that was known only to the medical community has made its national debut, and a quick route to stardom it has become. Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, is now viewed as a miracle drug that is saving lives across America, and the world! This medicine was initially patented in 1961 and was mainly used by the medical community to reverse the effects of opioids on individuals. Surgical procedures can be a risky business, especially when deeply sedating people to perform intricate operations. Narcan can always be found in operating rooms to reverse the effects of deep sedation if a person becomes distressed.
The twenty-first century has redefined Narcan and helped bring it to center stage. Over the past few decades, Narcan has made its way from the operating room into the hands of first-responding medical technicians, now riding in the binds of ambulances across the nation. Even these valiant initiates are no longer adequate, due to the recent surge of opioid-related overdoses and deaths, along with the arrival of the King Kong of all diabolical drugs – Fentanyl.
As depicted in other articles on this Blog site, fentanyl is flooding our nation in many forms and fashions. From powder and pills to candy-like substances and marijuana lacing, this drug is overwhelming America. Just over the past few months, it seems as if fentanyl seizures, teen overdose deaths, and law enforcement encounters that are close to lethal, are daily news items. We ask, what are the best ways to avoid overdose deaths from fentanyl; there are two. The first is the common sense approach, just say NO and stay away. The second, if one comes into contact with or uses fentanyl and overdoses, it is Narcan to the rescue.
Over the past decade, there have been major initiatives relating to the life-saving drug, Narcan. One is that law enforcement agencies throughout America are now carrying Narcan with them on daily patrols, along with having a supply in jails. In 2014 when I was Sheriff of Pulaski County and with the leadership of State Representative Steve Lynch, we were able to pass legislation that allows law enforcement officials to administer Narcan to victims. This practice was initially rejected by many policing leaders but the tide has since turned and many agencies are carrying Narcan in their patrol vehicles. The second initiative has been the legalization of Narcan for over-the-counter purchases, where ANYONE can purchase this medicine and keep it stored for emergencies. One important item about Narcan is that it is user-friendly, where if administered to someone not overdosing on opioids or fentanyl, there are usually no adverse repercussions.
We can conclude that Narcan is now a friend to many, and is being utilized by professionals and private citizens throughout our nation. Sadly, America has gradually gotten to this point but it is also encouraging that we have such a life-saving medicine at our disposal.