During the past 19 years, I served as a homicide detective in the Violent Crimes Division of the Palm Beach County

Sheriffs Office in Florida. In that capacity, I investigate all manner of death. In addition, since 2007, I have managed the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Overdose Suppression Project. This innovative and comprehensive venture includes components dedicated to overdose research, public awareness and targeted law enforcement. After examining the circumstances surrounding hundreds of overdose deaths in our community, the Overdose Suppression Team came to the conclusion that most overdose emergencies are in fact witnessed events. The Palm Beach County Sheriffs examination of 353 local drug overdose deaths revealed: 66.3% of the time--others were present during the event. 55.5% of the time--others were aware of the decedents fatal drug use on the occasion of their death. 37.7% of the time--someone recognized the victims distress prior to death. Despite the fact that drug overdose collapses are often observed by others, these witnesses frequently waste precious, life saving time attempting well intended, but ineffective home remedies such as: Putting the victim in a cold shower Giving him/her coffee or some other stimulant Or worst yet---putting the victim to bed to sleep it off. The overdose victim does not need to sleep it off. What the overdose victim needs is for someone anyone--to step up and take the simple, but decisive and lifesaving step of calling 911. Because drug overdoses often involve illicit drugs or the intentional misuse of prescription drugs, witnesses are understandably apprehensive about notifying authorities. Simply put, they dont want to risk their own arrest or the arrest of the overdose victim. The best way to encourage overdose witnesses to seek emergency medical help is to offer onlookers and the overdose victim limited immunity from criminal prosecution if emergency medical assistance is called during an overdose crisis. This harm reduction mindset led to the recent passage of Floridas 911 Good Samaritan Law FSS 893-21. I urge you to support North Carolinas 911 Good Samaritan, Naloxone Liability Reduction and Comprehensive Overdose Prevention Bill. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v0.pdf

Please contact me if I can help answer any questions. Regards, Gary Detective Gary Martin Violent Crimes Division Homicide Unit Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-688-4058 marting@pbso.org