City of ABQ Equips Metro Security Officers with Lifesaving Overdose Training
ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Municipal Development (DMD) Metro Security Division, with the help of Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), have trained approximately 40 Metro Security Officers on the use of NARCAN to save victims of an overdose. The Department now has a program in place to train all new hires.
All Metro Security mobile vehicles are fully supplied with lifesaving Naloxone doses, also known as NARCAN, and officers have already administered NARCAN in a few lifesaving events.
“Expanding the role and lifesaving training of our Metro Security Division is key to assisting people in times of crisis,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our security officers are often faced with challenging situations and now they have the training and supplies to provide early treatment for an overdose that can save a life.”
Metro Security have been trained to identify Opioid overdose symptoms including:
- Slowed, irregular, or no breathing
- Skin, nails turn blue
- Extreme sleepiness
- Unresponsive to sternal rub
- Pinpoint pupils
Metro Security officers follow a standardized procedure for Naloxone administration, first confirming signs and symptoms of potential opioid overdose, then calling AFR Communications and administering naloxone.
The entire Metro Security Division has received additional training implemented and certified by AFR including in CPR, AED, and standard First Aid training such as splints, tourniquets, and bleeding treatment.
“Albuquerque Fire Rescue has been instrumental in making sure our security officers have additional lifesaving abilities and equipment and we are excited to help serve our community with this additional resource,” said DMD Deputy Director Paul Rogers.
City of Albuquerque Metro Security Division is comprised of approximately 123 personnel with 24 open positions currently. To apply to serve your community click here.
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