A trip to Lowe’s turned into a medical emergency after a man became unresponsive inside a vehicle and required multiple doses of Narcan to regain consciousness.
Deputies responded to a suspected overdose call where emergency medical personnel were already treating the patient when they arrived.
According to the report, the man had been riding as a passenger in a vehicle driven by his aunt when he began appearing drowsy before becoming completely unresponsive.
EMS administered two doses of Narcan through the nose and a third dose intravenously. After the medication was given, the man gradually regained consciousness.
During the investigation, deputies recovered a small amount of an unknown powdery substance from the man’s front pants pocket. The suspected substance was collected as evidence and will be submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation laboratory for testing.
The man was transported by ambulance to King’s Daughters Medical Center for additional evaluation and treatment.
Before transport, deputies advised him that under Ohio law, individuals involved in certain low-level drug possession cases may have the opportunity to avoid charges by enrolling in a qualifying treatment program within the required timeframe. He acknowledged understanding.
The evidence was submitted for further testing.
Narcan Can Buy Time During an Overdose
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing.
Signs of a possible opioid overdose include:
- Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Blue or gray lips or fingernails
- Pinpoint pupils
- Gurgling or choking sounds
Health officials stress that calling 911 during an overdose is critical. Even when Narcan is administered, emergency medical evaluation is still needed because the effects of opioids can return after the medication wears off.
Many communities now provide free Narcan training and kits because quick action by bystanders can mean the difference between life and death.