Police Scotland are set to train all operational officers in using a life-saving drug overdose nasal spray.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has announced cops will be equipped with Naloxone, which can be given to people who have suffered an overdose from opioids such as heroin.
The national roll-out comes after a successful test of change in Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow, Stirling and Caithness during which officers used the spray to provide first aid 62 times.
The number of drug-related fatalities in Scotland has risen constantly in recent years to a total of 1,339 in 2020 and Chief Constable Livingstone says the move comes in a bid to battle the "terrible toll of drugs deaths" across the country.
The Chief Constable said: "Policing is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“We have a vital role in preventing drugs from reaching our streets and bringing those engaged in serious and organised crime to justice and that will always be a key duty and priority for Police Scotland.
“Preservation of life, keeping people safe, lies right at the heart of policing. We have a purpose and remit which goes beyond law enforcement. We have a positive legal duty to improve the lives of our communities. Equipping and training officers with Naloxone will contribute to that mission.
“Policing is so often the service of first and last resort; the service first on the scene; the service which responds to crisis and criticality. Where a person is suffering an overdose, Naloxone nasal-spray can be given safely by officers with no adverse effects.
“It is absolutely essential that where Naloxone is used by an officer to help people in crisis, professional medical attention continues to be provided from ambulance service colleagues and others. In addition, it is crucial that timely and sustainable support is available to provide treatment for those suffering addiction.”
The Chief Constable added: “I’m grateful to all the officers who stepped forward during the trial to carry Naloxone and help their fellow citizens when they needed it.”
During the test of change, 808 officers were trained to use Naloxone and 656 (81 per cent) volunteered to carry the nasal spray kits.
An independent academic review conducted between March and October 2021, during which Naloxone was used 51 times, recommended a national roll-out.
Work is under way to secure stock of Naloxone and a national programme of training and equipping over 12,000 officers will be undertaken in the coming months.
All officers within response, community, and other roles including dog handlers, armed police, public order and road policing up to and including the rank of Inspector will be trained and equipped.
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