A 16-year-old girl who had overdosed on Percocet on February 17 survived the ordeal because of a rapid response by Fontana Police Department officers.
Percocet, which relieves moderate to severe pain, consists of a combination of acetaminophen and the opioid oxycodone. Oxycodone is a narcotic, the effects of which are intensified in conjunction with the less potent pain reliever acetaminophen. The combination, while effective as a palliative, can stress the liver and kidneys, while impacting breathing.
On Thursday, February 17, Fontana police officers were summoned to a residence in the 7600 block of Emerald Avenue following the city’s dispatch center receiving a report of a teenager who was not breathing. Upon arrival at 10:04 p.m. the officers were told by family members that the girl had overdosed on Percocet. Officers determined the unconscious girl had a strong pulse. They administered two doses of Narcan, a medication used to counteract opiate-induced respiratory depression.
Within minutes, just as fire personnel arrived, the girl was responsive. She was treated by San Bernardino County Fire Department paramedics and transported to a local hospital, where she is said to have recovered.