Arlington County Sheriff Deputies Save Man from Overdose

Published on November 30, 2023

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ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 30, 2023 — The quick response of two Arlington County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Corporal Gan and Corporal Garrison, saved a man from overdose on Nov. 29, 2023. While assigned to the Courthouse, the deputies saw an individual lying on the floor in distress exhibiting overdose symptoms and immediately assisted. Corporal Gan administered Nasal Naloxone (also known as Narcan®), while Corporal Garrison alerted emergency services; the man was transported to the hospital.

Arlington County sheriff deputies and first responders carry Nasal Naloxone (also known as Narcan®), a safe and effective medication that can reverse an overdose from prescription painkillers or heroin. Narcan is available over the counter without a prescription. Arlingtonians can request free Narcan and REVIVE (Narcan) training by emailing the Department of Human Services.

It is important for our community to be aware of the signs of an overdose as this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. If you observe someone experiencing the following overdose symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately:

  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Vomiting or gurgling
  • Blue lips and/or fingernails
  • Not responsive or sleeping and cannot be woken up
  • Deep gurgling or rattling snore

Key Contact Information

Programs and Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are numerous treatment resources available in Arlington and through the Department of Human Services. Community members are also encouraged to prevent medication misuse or overdose by safely disposing of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication in one of Arlington's four permanent drug take-back boxes or by requesting a free deactivation bag.

About Arlington County Sheriff’s Office 

The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency located in Northern Virginia.  The ACSO staff is approximately 270 sworn and civilian staff who serve a county population of almost 200,000 residents. A Deputy Sheriff performs duties in corrections, inmate transportation, civil process service, and courtroom/courthouse security.

For more information, please visit https://sheriff.arlingtonva.us/ or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.