Report Summary
This report provides members of the Policing Performance Committee with an overview of the National Rollout of Naloxone.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Policing Performance Committee - 12 September 2023
Date : 12 September 2023
Location : online
National Roll Out Update
Following approval by the Chief Constable, an agreed staged delivery plan was implemented to train and equip all frontline officers within Police Scotland (PS), up to and including the rank of Inspector, in the carriage and use of intranasal naloxone.
The Scottish Government is fully supportive of the national rollout, having provided funding to Police Scotland (PS) and the National Health Service (NHS). Local policing divisions have worked closely with their respective Health Boards and this initiative has enhanced already positive partnerships.
The 12-month rollout programme began on International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st 2022 and has seen 12,500 front line officers within local and national divisions trained in and supplied with naloxone pouches.
After completing the initial roll out training all officers will receive a refresher course as part of their annual operational safety and first aid training. This will include a check of their equipment, in line with all other standard issue kit.
To support a trauma informed workforce probationer training now includes naloxone training alongside awareness of stigma and potential barriers during the initial stage at the Scottish Police College.
The final aspect of the roll out was to ensure those who do not routinely undertake frontline duties have equitable access to naloxone when deployed operationally. This will be done in conjunction with Event planning teams nationally.
The Naloxone Co-ordination Unit (the Unit) regularly attend front line engagement events across the country. Allowing officers the opportunity to ask questions, raise any concerns or provide feedback. Funding will conclude for this team on 30 November 2023 and oversight and governance will thereafter be subsumed into the Substance Harm Prevention Unit within PS.
A recent circular from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) to all officers across Scotland has confirmed that officers who administer naloxone, as per PS guidance and training, will receive the financial and legal protection of the Scottish Police Federation. It clarified that naloxone will be regarded and treated in the same manner as any other equipment that an officer is trained to use. This update from the SPF is very much welcomed.
