A woman nearly died on the steps of the Orange County Jail Monday. She was brought back to life by a life-saving drug and a deputy's quick thinking.
- Deputy saved woman who was overdosing
- Deputy used Narcan nasal spray to save her life
- 900 sheriff's office staff are trained to use Narcan
Monday afternoon, Corporal Bryan James was dropping off his morning coffee mug in his patrol car outside when a car zoomed up to him. The woman inside the car was in and out of consciousness.
"Based on my experience, I knew she was overdosing. So I just got involved," Cpl. James said.
With the help of two other deputies, Cpl. James leaned in the car and administered Narcan, a nasal spray designed to counteract opioids.
The drug worked within minutes and the woman sprung back to life.
"She was alert, conscious, appreciative, very emotional and you know what -- it was a proud day to wear the badge," Cpl. James said.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, at least 30 other people have been saved this year alone with the drug and the quick actions of sheriff's deputies like Cpl. James.
So far this year there have been 197 more overdoses than this time in 2016. However, there have only been two more deaths since last year.
The sheriff's office says that's because 900 of their staff have been trained, and are now equipped with the Narcan nasal spray.
Cpl. James says the spray can be purchased at any local drug store, and hopes more people invest in buying the product if they encounter people who are at risk of overdosing.
Holding the old Narcan nasal spray used Monday, Cpl. James said, "This is actually the Narcan that I used, that's how much it means to me. This is a life saved. This is a trophy."