Springs police will get new tools to fight heroin overdoses

Colorado Springs Police are arming themselves with a new weapon to fight fatal heroin overdoses.

Officers will have specialized kits, containing “narcan.” a substance that immediately reverses the effects of heroin overdose.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 53 people in El Paso County died of heroin-related overdoses from 2012 through 2014. 360 people across Colorado died of heroin-related overdoses in the same period of time.

“It can be the difference between life and death and that’s not just a melodramatic statement. This medication is so effective, it can take someone who has literally stopped breathing and upon administering the medication restore the patient,” said Commander Thor Eells, with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The program will cost about $25,000 total.