‘Sad reality’: Child used Narcan to revive father after being taught how to administer it, sheriff says
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) – An 8-year-old boy in Florida saved his dad’s life by administering Narcan when his father overdosed on heroin, according to authorities.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a home in Edgewater on Tuesday after an 8-year-old boy called 911 after finding his dad unconscious.
The boy administered Narcan to his dad and waited until first responders arrived.
The father, identified as 44-year-old Daniel Johnson, was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.
Johnson later told deputies he smoked heroin earlier in the day, and he had instructed his son on what to do if something happened to him.
Johnson was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on charges of child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff’s office said the situation is “an example of the sad reality the effects of drugs have in our community.”
In a statement, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said, “I want to commend the bravery of this young boy who, at just 8 years old, was forced into a situation no child should ever have to face. His courage undoubtedly saved his dad’s life, but it’s tragic that he has to experience such trauma at such a young age.”
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