ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. -- Two people escaped death this week after deputies with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office administered a heroin overdose reversal drug during a welfare check.
Deputies were called to perform a welfare check in the area of East Arapahoe Road and South Colorado Boulevard Friday night after a man reported seeing a vehicle swerving all over the road before abruptly coming to a stop.
When the witness approached the vehicle, he saw a female driver and a male passenger, both unconscious and barely breathing, according to a statement from Julie Brooks, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office.
Once at the scene, deputies saw there was heroin inside the vehicle and immediately administered Narcan, an opiate antidote, to the man as well as two doses to the woman. They were both taken to the hospital soon after.
"Information from the hospital indicates that the Narcan doses administered at the scene significantly contributed to both people surviving," according to Brooks.
A variety of drugs were also found inside the vehicle, Brooks added. This remains an active investigation.
Each Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle is equipped with a single dose of Narcan nasal spray, Brooks said.
Heroin is a highly addictive drug and users can quickly develop dependence. Heroin slows heart function and breathing, sometimes enough to be life-threatening.
For substance abuse intervention services, contact Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK).
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