Police: Claremont officer administers overdose reversal drug to infant suspected of ingesting fentanyl
Published: 09-20-2024 4:40 PM |
CLAREMONT — A 9-month-old infant is hospitalized in “stable” condition after ingesting fentanyl at a residence in Charlestown and is likely survived because of the quick actions of a Claremont police officer, police said on Friday afternoon.
Emergency personnel responded at about 5:45 p.m. to the area of Main Street and Union Street in downtown Claremont to a report of a 9-month-old child who was “in a vehicle and overdosing” from suspected ingestion of fentanyl, according to a news release from Claremont police.
Police are crediting Claremont Police Sgt. Michael Puksta, who arrived on the scene within one minute of dispatch and administered a dose of naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, to the child.
“Puksta very likely saved the child’s life,” Charlestown Police Chief Patrick Connors said in an interview.
Golden Cross Ambulance and Claremont Fire Department members transported the child to Valley Regional Hospital for emergency medical care. The child was later transferred via DHART helicopter to DHMC, where as of Friday afternoon the child was reported in “stable” condition, Connors said.
Connors said police have determined the infant had ingested the suspected fentanyl at a residence in Charlestown located on Claremont Road/Route 12.
He said the Charlestown Police Department is “working closely” with the state’s Division for Children, Youth and Families to ensure that all three of the children who reside at the residence are in safe custody.
Criminal charges are expected against an adult who was in the home with the child at the time of the ingestion, police said.
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John Lippman can be reached at jlippman@vnews.com.