Berkeley, California (Tuesday, August 31, 2021) - On August 30th at 9:27 pm, officers responded to a small encampment at the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Blake Street on a report of an unconscious 58-year-old man who was believed to have overdosed on fentanyl. When officers arrived, they found the subject unresponsive. Officers quickly checked the man’s vitals, moved him to a recovery position and administered a dose of Narcan. When the man’s condition did not change, the officers administered a 2nd dose of Narcan and the man started to regain consciousness.
We are thankful our officers are equipped with this life-saving medication and that we were able to administer it in time to revive the man.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States.
If you think someone has overdosed, the most important step to take is to call 911 so they can receive immediate medical attention.
Here are some important points to remember about Fentanyl:
- Fentanyl can be sold as a powder, pill form and/ or mixed with other illicit narcotics.
- Fentanyl can also be absorbed by touching it.
- Do not ever taste, feel, or smell any substance believed to be fentanyl.
- If contaminated, change clothes immediately and wash with soap and water.
- Greatest risk of exposure is inhalation or incidental exposure.
- Immediately call 911 if you are exposed.
Case 2021-00039474
