BFPD officer saves man from overdose

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry Police Officer Scott Davis rushed to the scene when he heard there was an unresponsive person in the Safeway parking, BFPD officials wrote in a press release. Upon arrival, Davis learned that the subject had overdosed on fentanyl.

Finding the person unresponsive and without a pulse, Davis immediately administered two doses of Narcan, a medication designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, and began chest compressions. After approximately three minutes of compressions and a third dose of Narcan, he was successful in reviving the individual just as emergency medical services were arriving on scene.

Absent of Officer Davis’ decisive actions, the subject likely would have died prior to the arrival of medical personnel, officials said in the press release.

City and Bonners Ferry Police Department officials said they wanted to commend Davis on his life-saving actions in the line of duty.

Additionally, police department officials reminded the public that all illegal substances are dangerous, but particularly fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Illicit fentanyl is often highly potent and is not prescribed by medical professionals. The Drug Enforcement Agency estimates that two of every four doses of illicit fentanyl contains a fatal dose (2 mg or more).

Fentanyl use has been rapidly increasing across the nation and its overdose and death potential far exceeds any other substances that law enforcement deals with on a regular basis. BFPD urges all members of the public to be vigilant in protecting themselves and their families from exposure to and use of this dangerous substance.

In cooperation with BFPD, Boundary County Sheriff’s Department and Idaho State Police a Fentanyl Education Project seminar covering the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Beckler Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School.

“We want to give parents information so they too will understand the dangers of this drug and hopefully have good conversations with their children,” said Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer.