The Florida Highway Patrol is now issuing Narcan to Troopers in an effort to save lives, a strategy by the agency to fight against the opioid epidemic.
That's according to a release from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Naloxone, the life-saving drug commonly known by its brand name Narcan, can take just seconds to revive an overdose victim.
Authorities say this week, Troopers in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties were the first members of FHP to be issued Narcan due to the increasing number of overdose deaths in those counties.
Narcan will be issued to additional troopers throughout other areas of the state by the end of February.
Authorities say the Narcan units will assist FHP members when they encounter an overdose situation while on patrol and help protect first responders who may be accidentally exposed and overcome by the effects of dangerous opioids.