Rehoboth Beach – Newly acquired equipment and training saves an overdose victim in Rehoboth Beach, according to the Rehoboth Beach Police Department.
Officials said that on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at around 3:40 p.m., Rehoboth Beach Police responded to the Summer Place Hotel, located at 30 Olive Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, for a reported overdose.
Upon arrival, Cpl. Eric Hiller, a 10 year veteran of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, who was issued a Naloxone kit that morning, found a 23-year-old Rehoboth Beach man unresponsive on the floor, according to authorities. Officials said that a fellow resident was attempting to give the man CPR as officers arrived. Through his observations and witness accounts, Hiller determined that the man had injected multiple bags of heroin, officials said.
Authorities said that Hiller quickly reacted alongside Rehoboth Beach EMS in administering Naloxone and rescue breaths to the unresponsive male patient. After only a few minutes of performing these rescue efforts, the male patient slowly opened his eyes and returned to a state of alertness. The man was transported to Beebe Health Campus by Rehoboth Beach EMS and was later released.
Hiller attributed his efficiency in the use of the Naloxone Kit to the hands-on training he received from the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services.
In their efforts to provide better initial medical response to opioid induced overdose incidents, the Rehoboth Beach Police Department recently received five Naloxone Kits from the Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Officials said that an officer from each shift will be issued a kit to carry while on patrol to provide a faster response in cases of opioid overdose. In addition, all officers recently received training from the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services in the recognition of opioid overdose and the use of Naloxone Hydrochloride.