Prince George, B.C. – A 28-year-old Prince George man is expected to survive following an overdose early this morning.

RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass says Mounties responded to a report “of an unresponsive male” at a home on Chief Lake Road just after 5 this morning. He says they arrived to find the man not only unresponsive but not breathing inside a shed on the property.

Douglass says police quickly administered naloxone and the man “almost immediately revived” and is expected to recover.

“The unfortunate reality is that fentanyl and derivatives are now common place in our community and our members face the risk of contamination everyday,” says Supt. Warren Brown, officer in charge of the Prince George RCMP. “Our ability to possess and administer naloxone, gives our members an added level of security for not only their safety, but also the safety of the community we serve.”

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which reverses the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin and fentanyl.

Mounties have issued naloxone kits to all on-duty officers for situations where they may be required to provide first aid treatment in the event of an opioid overdose, like this morning’s.

Officers also carry naloxone if another member or employee becomes accidentally exposed to opioids like fentanyl.

All officers who carry naloxone are required receive training on its use.