GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Greensboro Police officers started training Wednesday to carry Naloxone, or NARCAN, to combat drug overdoses.
Guilford County EMS started training some officers, who will then go back to the department and train other officers. The plan is to have all officers trained by the start of the new year.
"Often we're the first ones there," explains GPD Sgt. Robert Bateman. "So it's not reasonable I don't think to stand by and wait for an ambulance when you have a very affordable, easy to use tool, resource available."
GPD officers will carry NARCAN nasal spray due to a dramatic spike in opioid abuse according to a release sent Monday morning. The department says the spray could be life-saving in an emergency situation.
Police believe heroin has contributed significantly to the 56% increase in drug overdoses this year.