August 2, 2023

Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray is a widely available prescription medication that can quickly reduce the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office nurses and deputies assigned to the Adult Detention Center are trained to administer Narcan.

At 6:40 a.m. on July 29, a woman was booked into the ADC on a misdemeanor charge. At 8 a.m. 2nd Lt. Combs responded to the female receiving area where Nurse Rayo was monitoring the now incarcerated woman, who had very low blood pressure. The woman was laying on her bunk and nonresponsive when the deputy tried speaking with her. The deputy checked her pulse, which was strong, but her breathing was very shallow. He shook the woman’s arm and still got no response. Shining a flashlight in her left eye, he observed that her pupil was pinpoint small and had minimal reaction to the light. Based on their training and experience, the deputy and nurse both concluded she was experiencing the effects of an opioid overdose.

2nd Lt. Combs immediately radioed for Narcan and was able to administer it quickly. After a minute, he tried again to interact with her, and she mumbled in response. After another 30 seconds, he held her upright and asked about the narcotics she had taken. Now more coherent, she admitted to taking heroin and Xanax prior to being arrested and brought to the ADC. Slowly, she became more alert, and when rescue arrived two minutes later, she was able to hold herself upright and speak to the EMT clearly. She was transported to the hospital, evaluated and discharged back to the ADC in less than two hours after the Narcan dose. She was released on bond the same day.

If someone you know is addicted to an opioid, which may be a legal drug, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, or an illegal drug, such as heroin, you may be able to reverse an overdose with Narcan. Learn about REVIVE! training from the Community Services Board.

The best way to prevent an overdose is to not use drugs. If you or a loved one need help to overcome drug dependence, please reach out to the Community Services Board for detoxification, treatment and recovery support or call 703-502-7000 (available 24/7).