A Berkeley police officer on Wednesday administered the sixth overdose reversal using Ocean County’s newly instituted Narcan program, or naloxone spray.
The reversal came at approximately 4:45 pm, when Berkeley Township Patrolman Jason Malley responded to a report of a drug overdose at a Hayes Avenue address in Bayville, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Berkeley Township Police Chief Karin DiMichele today announced Thursday.
Upon his arrival, he found a 27-year-old male on the bathroom floor unresponsive and not breathing. Malley administered the Narcan spray, and with assistance from Ptl. John Mulvihill, provided rescue breathing to the victim.
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In just over five minutes the victim abruptly sat up and asked what had happened. Bayville First Aid Squad arrived and took over monitoring the victim’s recovery.
The fifth reversal came at approximately 10:54 am Wednesday, when Lacey Township Police Sergeant Paul Sullivan responded to a medical emergency at a Frog Hollow Road address in Forked River.
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The above overdose victims and those who called for medical assistance will not face drug charges under the Overdose Prevention Act signed into law on May 2, 2013.
According to the State Office of the Attorney General, the overarching purpose of the Overdose Prevention Act is to encourage persons to seek immediate medical assistance whenever a drug overdose occurs.
In the past, there have been instances where persons were reluctant or unwilling to call authorities for help for fear that this might lead to an arrest or prosecution for illegal drug use or possession.
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