A scheme that has successfully saved the lives of at least nine people in the county has been extended to Fenland.
In 2021 police in Cambridge and Peterborough were given training on how to administer a nasal spray called naloxone that can help save the lives of people who have overdosed on opioids.
Officers in Cambridgeshire were among the first in the region to take part in the project.
Due to the success of the scheme, it has now been extended to Fenland, meaning specially trained local officers will be able to administer the spray while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.
On one such occasion on 25 November PC Adam Price was working at Parkside Police Station in Cambridge when he received information a man had been found unconscious on the pavement in nearby Chesterton High Street.
PC Price arrived on blue lights, administered the spray, and the man regained consciousness.
Superintendent Laura Hunt said: “It’s incredible to think a simple spray has helped to save the lives of nine people in the county.
“I’d like to thank all the officers who have been trained to administer this treatment and acted quickly to save those in need.
“I’m so pleased we have now been able to extent the scheme to Fenland to help save even more lives.
“This initiative is not about replacing the services that others provide. It recognises that police officers can easily help to save lives while carrying out their duties in our communities.
“Specialised medical interventions by healthcare professionals can and will follow administration of the spray. Alongside other emergency life-saving interventions such as defibrillators etc, it aims to make a difference to an individual’s survival chances.”
Cllr Richard Howitt, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s adults and health committee, said: “Our public health team are thrilled to have been involved in such a successful project which has helped to save lives, and we’re delighted the use of naloxone will now be spread across more parts of Cambridgeshire.”
