Overdose calls have become everyday occurrences. Law enforcement and EMS are routinely sent to these calls ad nauseam as the opioid epidemic has ravaged communities big and small. What's even more disturbing is the most common location opioid users get high is in their vehicles and drive or come to work impaired – putting the public at significant risk.
Knowing how to spot an opioid OD and reversal with an opioid antagonist like Naloxone (trade name, Narcan) is an essential piece of evidence in an impaired driving investigation. It doesn't get any easier to prove impairment than finding someone passed out behind the wheel who exhibits classic narcotic analgesic impairment and overdose signs and then is revived with Narcan.
In a workplace environment, opioid impairment costs money and can be deadly. Two of the most common places I've seen users get high at work is in the restroom and inside of their vehicles in the parking lot – before and during work. Not only do opioid abusers put themselves at risk, but their addictions create an on the job negligence and put others at risk.
Whether you're gathering evidence for an impaired driving case or maintaining a drug-free workplace, documenting narcotic analgesic impairment and opioid overdoses are crucial. Check out our narcotic analgesic report template to get you started in our "Handouts and Guides" section here. It's written for an impaired driving investigation, but these clues of impairment exist in both public and private sector venues.
Knowing how to spot drug impairment is essential, but don't lose what you saw with lousy documentation. For more on our offerings to the public and private sector, along with expert advice for your situation, contact Nick at Route 961, [email protected].