Naloxone Administration by Law Enforcement: Policy and Public Health Nursing Implications

Abstract

Opioid overdose has become a public health epidemic, and the use of naloxone by law enforcement personnel has recently become a controversial policy issue. This pilot research project addresses the question of attitudes regarding addiction, overdose, naloxone administration training, and the expanding role of law enforcement in naloxone administration by law enforcement personnel who have been trained in the administration of naloxone to those experiencing an opioid overdose. A comprehensive literature review was conducted relating to the topic of opioid use and overdose and the use of naloxone by law enforcement. The Theory of Planned Behavior was the theoretical framework chosen to guide this project. The methodology used was an exploratory qualitative approach with individual face-to-face interviews as the data collection method. The results are presented and analyzed including findings of a need for “hands-on” naloxone training, perception of empowerment by some officers since being trained to administer naloxone, and perception of empathy for those who overdose, especially toward the younger victims. Recommendations and implications for nursing practice, policy, research, and leadership are presented including a plan for dissemination to nursing, interprofessional stakeholders, and policy makers.