WELSH Police used a piece of life-saving equipment intended for those suffering a drug overdose for the first time recently.

South Wales Police were issued nasal Naloxone, which is an emergency antidote for overdoses caused by heroin and other opiate or opioid substances.

The drug reverses breathing difficulties caused by these substances, which should give paramedics time to arrive.

Welsh police had not used the drug before, but on Thursday, April 14, an officer would use the drug successfully.

PC Kyle Scott used the drug after a woman was found unresponsive while PCSO carried out a patrol as part of 'Cuckoo Watch', which is an initiative to safeguard those targeted by county lines drug dealers.

PC Scott administered one dose of Naloxone to the woman which stabilised her.

She remained alert until paramedics arrived and adminstered further care.

Detective Superintendent Gareth Morgan said: "PC Scott should be extremely proud of himself for being the first officer to administer Naloxone to a person in need.

"By carrying this tool, officers have access to a crucial harm reduction tool that can prevent drug related deaths and the knock-on effects that this has to families and communities.

"The woman who received this dose of Naloxone has now been referred to harm reduction services for further treatment and intervention, giving her the chance to rebuild her life."

After PC Scott saved the woman, a 21-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested, charged and remanded for Class A drug trafficking offences.

Drugs, a burner phone and thousands of pounds in cash were recovered.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael said: "The impact of drugs on those who sadly struggle with substance misuse, their families and entire communities is enormous, which is why we are working tirelessly with partners to tackle the problem in a number of different ways.

"In doing so, it’s important to remember that those struggling with addiction are often victims themselves, which is why it’s so important to intervene at the earliest opportunity, offer effective support and endeavour to break the cycle of harm.

"Sir Robert Peel identified that one of the core responsibilities of the police service is to protect and preserve life; here we see a clear example of officers from South Wales Police using Naloxone to prevent an avoidable death, provide an opportunity for support and offer a vital pathway away from drug related harm. 

"The swift actions of PC Scott serve to illustrate that police officers are often first on the scene of potentially life-threatening situations and I am extremely pleased that he was trained and equipped to use Naloxone, preventing what could otherwise have been a much more serious incident."

Deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing, Lynne Neagle said: "Since 2009 the Welsh Government has funded the distribution of naloxone and is a key part of our work in reducing the harms associated with substance misuse.

"The news of someone’s life being saved is exactly the reason why we continue to make these investments and highlights why it’s important police carry naloxone to further assist in reducing drug related deaths in Wales.

"I want to pay tribute to PC Kyle Scott and his colleagues for their swift action."