By: Richard L. Smith
In an effort to combat the growing issue of drug overdoses, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police, recently conducted a Drug Recognition Course.
The event took place at the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Center at Stockton University in Atlantic City, NJ, drawing members of law enforcement dedicated to aiding individuals struggling with addiction and at risk of overdose.
Prosecutor William Reynolds emphasized the importance of the training, which aims to equip first responders with the skills necessary to recognize signs of drug overdoses accurately.
The course also covered the use of Geo-mapping technology for efficient resource deployment to save lives and prevent future tragedies.
Participants received education on identifying and reporting incidents involving heroin and opiates, along with the latest updates on administering Naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Detective Sergeant John Bardunias of the New Jersey State Police highlighted the significance of the training, noting it as a crucial step towards understanding substance use disorder and improving community support for those affected.
This initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis, offering vital resources and knowledge to those on the front lines of this public health challenge.