Policy Text
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
NALOXONE PROGRAM
GENERAL ORDER: 09.17 CREATED: September 6, 2017 ISSUE DATE : March 1 7, 2025
CALEA STANDARD: 41.2.8 EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1 7, 2025
ACTION: Amends general order dated September 5, 2023 .
09.17.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the implementation and
administration of the Naloxone Program within the Concord Police Department. This
program aims to provide coworkers with the tools and training necessary to recognize
and respond effectively to opioid exposure or overdose emergencies by administering
naloxone, a proven opioid antagonist.
09.17.1 POLICY
This policy outlines the procedures for using, storing, and administering naloxone, a life -
saving opioid antagonist , by trained coworkers. The department recognizes that timely
administration of naloxone can prevent fatal exposures or overdoses.
09.17.2 DEFINITIONS
A. NALOXONE
A medication that acts as an opioid antagonist and counters the effects of opioid
exposures or overdoses. Narcan is the trade name for Naloxone.
B. NALOXONE KIT
A kit used to administer Naloxone .
C. OPIATES/OPIOIDS
Opiates and opioids (from now on referred to as “opioids”) are drugs that are
derived from opium or its derivatives or other classes of drugs that mimic opium
derivatives. Legally administered opioids, such as morphine, methadone,
oxycodone, and hydrocodone , are narcotics most often used to treat pain and
opioid addiction. Some commonly encountered opioid trade names include
Methadone, Demerol, Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, and Percodan. Overdoses of
opioids and illicit street drugs, such as heroin, can result in severe depression of
central nervou s system activity and can lead to death.
D. OPIOID EXPOSURE
The unintentional or intentional contact with an opioid substance that can occur
through various routes, potentially leading to adverse health effects. Opioid
exposure can occur in the following ways:
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Inhalation: Breathing in airborne particles or vapors containing opioids, which
may occur in environments where opioids are being handled, manufactured, or
used.
Ingestion: Accidental or intentional swallowing of opioid substances.
Injection: Direct introduction of opioids into the bloodstream, typically through a
syringe.
Skin Contact: Absorption of opioids through the skin, although the risk of
significant exposure through intact skin is generally low with most opioid
substances.
Mucous Membrane Contact: Absorpt ion of opioids through the eyes, nose, or
mouth, which can occur when handling opioid substances or contaminated
materials without proper protective equipment.
E. OPIOID OVERDOSE
An opioid -related drug overdose is a condition including extreme physical illn ess, a
decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression, coma, or the ceasing of
respiratory or circulatory function resulting from the consumption or use of an
opioid, or another substance with which an opioid was combined.
09.17.3 OPIOID OVERDOSE
A. Only coworkers trained in the administration of Naloxone shall utilize nasal
Naloxone on subjects believed to be suffering from an opioid exposure or overdose.
Indications that a subject is suffering from an exposure or overdose include, but are
not limite d to:
1. Loss of consciousness;
2. Unresponsive to an outside stimulus (e.g., sternum rub);
3. Shallow, ineffective or labored breathing.
4. Blue or purple skin color;
5. Gurgling or snoring sounds.
09.17.4 PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTERING NALOXONE
A. Coworkers shall use only Naloxone as provided or approved by Cabarrus County
EMS.
B. Coworkers shall assess indicators of a potential opioid exposure or overdose,
including but not limited to, statements by persons with recent knowledge of the
subject’s habi ts and activities, previous knowledge of the opioid use or abuse, and
the presence of drugs, medicine containers, or drug paraphernalia.
C. Coworkers shall contact the Communications Center to verify that emergency
medical personnel are en route.
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D. Before the administration of Naloxone, the coworkers should ensure the scene is
safe and take universal precautions to protect themselves.
E. Once administered , the coworker shall notify the Communications Center that
Naloxone has been administered.
F. In the event of an accidental opioid exposure or overdose to a coworker , coworkers
are encouraged to administer Naloxone to the other coworker or police canine
exhibiting the symptoms.
G. Coworkers shall dispose of used Naloxone products by turning them over to
Cabarrus County EMS personnel on the scene.
09.17.5 REPLACEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION
A. Cabarrus County EMS will replace used Naloxone kits . Officers should let EMS know
on the scene if they used a Naloxone kit , and they will provide a replacement for
you. If, for any reason, they cannot