Quick-thinking Response officers in Scarborough used Naloxone nasal spray to help save the life of a substance-user who had collapsed from a suspected opioid overdose.
The incident unfolded at the town’s police station on Northway when the man, who is aged in his 40s and from the Malton area, approached the front counter at 7.50pm on Monday (24 November 2025).
He became unconscious, his breathing was slow, heart rate weak, and there was discolouration of his lips and fingers nails – most of the classic signs of an overdose from a heroin-type drug. The officers were unable to check if the pupils in his eyes were small at that time.
Thanks to the roll-out of Naloxone spray and training across the force area since April 2024, the officers were able to administer the nasal spray to revive the man before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance five minutes later for further treatment.
Superintendent Rachel Wood, Senior Operational Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said:
“Due to the training they underwent in the use of Naloxone spray, the officers were able to make a life-saving intervention which bought precious time for the paramedics to arrive and take over.
“They can be very proud of their outstanding actions in helping to save this man’s life.”
More than 320 police officer and PCSOs are trained to use Naloxone across North Yorkshire and York.
It is the emergency antidote used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
If administered within 15 minutes of an opioid overdose, it can restore normal breathing to a person if it has slowed or stopped.
So far, it has been used 37 times in the effort to reduce the harm from suspected opioid overdose.
Danny Stannard, Harm Reduction Officer, Local Policing Support, said:
“It is pleasing to see our roll-out of Naloxone is continuing to make a real difference. I have nothing but respect for officers and staff who have put their training into practice.
“Not only does Naloxone save lives, but it also further demonstrates to the public that first and foremost, the police are here to care for everyone, including some of the most vulnerable people living within our communities.”
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