Man Suffers Heroin Overdose While Riding on Philadelphia Bus, Revived by Narcan
Pennsylvania authorities are dealing with the aftermath of a heroin overdose on a crowded bus that was traveling just outside the Philadelphia area.
Surveillance video on the public bus caught the scary incident as it unfolded. The video was released by law enforcement and disseminated online in order to show just how dangerous heroin use can be. The strategy seems to have worked, as several media outlets, including the New York Post, published articles about the video.
As many people have seen from the video, the 25-year-old heroin user suffered the overdose almost immediately after shooting up heroin. In fact, the man used the illicit drug while sitting near several other passengers on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority bus. The man almost looks relaxed as he casually shoots the heroin into his right arm.
Almost immediately after using the illegal drug, the man became dazed and then suddenly fell over. A number of passengers witnessed the incident and immediately dialed 911 to alert local authorities.
When police and emergency medical responders arrived at the scene, they found the man on the verge of death. Police officers then administered the lifesaving drug naloxone (also known as Narcan) and were able to revive the unconscious man. The suspect/victim was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he received medical treatment and was subsequently released.
Just a few days later, the man was placed under arrest by police and charged with possession of heroin. According to authorities, he was caught while carrying numerous packets filled with heroin. It is unclear if this was the same heroin that caused the man’s near-fatal overdose.
Narcan is a nasal spray that can be used to reverse the deadly effects of narcotics, including opioids like heroin. The lifesaving medication is becoming popular among police departments and health agencies across the country. For example, the Upper Darby Police Department in Pennsylvania has successfully used Narcan 58 times on drug overdose victims in the past three months. Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Health allows people who use drugs to get access to Narcan at pharmacies without needing to present a prescription from a doctor.
For more information about this incident, go to the NY Post article, “Man Saved by Miracle Drug after Heroin OD on Bus.”
If you or a loved one has been charged with heroin possession, simple possession of marijuana or any other drug crime in New York, it is imperative that you talk to a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at the LaDuca Law Firm are ready to help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our office in Rochester, NY.
