On Thursday, January 14, 2016, at approximately 9:40 p.m., West Chicago police were dispatched to a home in the 300 block of east Blair Street for an unconscious subject who may have overdosed. Once on scene, officers discovered the 21-year old male victim was not conscious and not breathing. Based on information gathered from a family member, officers suspected the man may have overdosed on heroin. Officers administered Naloxone Hydrochloride, or Narcan, to the man while they continued performing CPR. West Chicago Fire Protection District paramedics arrived and took over treatment of the victim, who regained consciousness and sat up within minutes. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation and additional treatment. He is expected to fully recover.
“The use of heroin is a reality in virtually all communities today”, said West Chicago Police Chief Michael Uplegger. “Equipping our officers with Narcan is another critical tool in the tool box for the fight against heroin in our community. I am extremely proud of the officers for taking quick action and saving the life of this young man”.
Narcan is an antidote intended to counter the effects of opioid drugs, including heroin. West Chicago Police Department officers began carrying Narcan in February of 2014 as the result of a DuPage countywide initiative to equip all DuPage police officers with the life-saving drug. Since receiving and being trained on its use, West Chicago officers have administered Narcan on eight occasions: six times in 2014, once in 2015 and again in this most recent case.
For further information, please contact Commander Eric Shipman at eshipman@westchicago.org.
