Woman found “blue and lifeless” in Sheffield city centre after overdose revived by police
A woman found “blue and lifeless” on the steps of Sheffield Cathedral was revived by police after a suspected drug overdose.
A woman was found “blue and lifeless” on the steps of Sheffield Cathedral after officers on patrol were alerted to her condition.
Sheffield City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team officers Sergeant Simon Pickering and PC Madison Walker were in Sheffield city centre when they were approached about the woman, who was unresponsive on the cathedral steps.
Concerned she may have suffered a drug overdose, officers called for an ambulance.
They immediately began CPR and administered two doses of Naloxone.
Naloxone is a fast-acting nasal spray that can temporarily reverse an overdose, helping to keep someone alive until further medical care is available.
Her breathing began to improve before paramedics arrived, and she was taken to hospital where her condition was later no longer considered life-threatening.
Less than 30 minutes later, a second incident was reported on High Street, where another woman had collapsed and gone into respiratory arrest, also believed to be linked to Spice use.
Other neighbourhood officers attended and administered Naloxone before ambulance crews arrived.
She responded to treatment and was taken to hospital, where her condition improved.
Force lead for drugs, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton said: "Once again, Naloxone has proved to be an effective life-saving tool, saving two women from potentially fatal cardiac arrests.
"In these situations, every second matters, and administering Naloxone buys crucially valuable time for further medical intervention.
"It's no understatement to say it could be the difference between life and death and it's great our officers are able to carry it and help prevent needless drug deaths in South Yorkshire."