ADOT officers training to respond to opioid overdoses

Arizona Department of Transportation officers are the latest law enforcement entity to fight the state’s opioid epidemic.

Nearly 100 officers, part of ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, have been trained to identify opioid overdoses and administer a drug to reverse the effects.

“One of the worst feelings as a law enforcement officer is being unable to help someone in an emergency situation,” said Sergeant Sean Dalley with the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is a way to ensure we are always in a position to act fast when called upon.”

ADOT officers have gone through training that provides them with Nalozone, also known as Narcan, a type of drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

“This kind of training allows our officers to respond quickly to various types of situations at the ports of entry and in the field,” said Tim Lane, director of the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “ADOT looks to do its part in helping combat opioid abuse in Arizona.”

Since Governor Doug Ducey declared a statewide emergency in June 2017, Arizona has expanded access to Naloxone to first responders.

The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act allows county health department employees, detention officers, police aides and other law enforcement to administer the drug.

ADOT has a goal of training an additional 100 officer before the end of the year.