A man is lucky to be alive today after an officer arrived just in time to administer life-saving Narcan during a suspected overdose.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., police were dispatched to a home in Proctorville for reports of an overdose. Inside the bedroom, officers found a man unconscious on the floor, gasping for air — a telltale sign of agonal breathing, often seen in overdose cases.
Without hesitation, the responding officer administered two doses of 4mg Narcan nasal spray, stabilizing the man’s condition just enough for EMS to arrive. Paramedics then followed up with an additional 2mg dose via IV, which helped the victim become semi-conscious, though still unable to speak.
💉 WHAT WAS FOUND
While searching the room, the officer discovered:
- 🔹 Four small pills — later identified as blood pressure medication
- 🔹 A glass pipe, commonly used for smoking narcotics
The items were photographed and properly disposed of.
🗣️ FROM CLEAN TO CRITICAL
A witness told police that the man had struggled with addiction in the past but had reportedly been clean for about a year after completing rehab in Charleston. No one knew exactly what substance triggered this medical emergency.
The man was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington for continued care. Officers advised him to seek further treatment — and warned that he could face charges if the drug use continues.
🚑 WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND SOMEONE OVERDOSING
Don’t wait — act fast. Every second counts.
🚨 1. Call 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Get emergency responders on the way.
💨 2. Check for Responsiveness and Breathing
If they’re unresponsive with shallow or no breathing, it could be an opioid overdose.
💉 3. Administer Narcan (Naloxone)
If you have it, give it. One spray per nostril. You can’t hurt someone with Narcan — but you can save them.
❤️ 4. Stay With Them
Keep the person on their side (recovery position) and stay with them until help arrives.
🧠 5. Report What You Know
Let responders know what the person may have taken — it can guide treatment.
👏 THANK YOU TO THE FIRST RESPONDERS
This case could have had a tragic ending, but thanks to fast action, proper training, and Narcan, a life was saved.
To the officers and EMS teams on the front lines of the overdose crisis: thank you. You’re not just fighting crime — you’re saving lives.