New Orleans EMS is conducting a hands-on training to educate NOPD officers on the ways to use and administer the life-saving drug Narcan during suspected opiate or opioid overdose incidents.

The NOEMS is leading 10, one-hour training sessions for two days at the New Orleans Police Academy located in the Third District. The purpose of the training is to prepare officers and civilian workers on how to recognize symptoms of an opioid-related overdose and how to properly administer and store Naloxone nasal kits.

WATCH: NOPD Officers Receive Training on Life-Saving Overdose Drug Narcan 

Naloxone (Narcan) is a narcotic analgesic antagonist that is used to reverse acute narcotic analgesic respiratory depression. Naloxone is effectively an antidote to opioid overdose and may completely reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if administered in time.  

All commissioned NOPD officers or civilian members who have been trained in the use and administration of Naloxone nasal administration kits will be authorized to carry, use and administer the kits in suspected opiate or opioid overdose incidents. However, officers and commissioned members must get re-certified every two years after initial training to continue to carry and use the Naloxone kits.

Officers who received this first initial training by EMS professionals will then be able to train additional officers on distributing Narcan on scenes.