A drug considered to be an antidote to heroin overdoses may soon be available to the public and to all emergency rescuers in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1164, which is on its way to Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk, would provide immunity from criminal prosecution for “good Samaritans” who use the drug naloxone to assist victims of opioid drug overdoses.

If the bill is signed into law, police and firefighters would be able to carry naloxone in their vehicles and administer it to victims of suspected overdoses. Only paramedics currently are allowed to administer the drug outside an emergency room.

Naloxone, often referred to by its brand name, Narcan, is a federally approved drug that reverses the effects opioid overdoses. Perhaps the most common opioid used illegally is heroin.

The bill also would allow physicians to prescribe naloxone to people who are at-risk of opioid drug overdoses, or to friends and family members of at-risk individuals.

Dr. David Rottinghaus, medical director of the emergency department at Butler Memorial Hospital, said naloxone is a safe and effective drug in treating overdoses.

“It’s a very safe drug,” he said. “It’s an easy drug to administer.”

The drug is most commonly given in the form of a nasal spray, although it also comes in the form of an injection.

Rottinghaus said the nasal spray is effective and prevents those giving the drug from having to deal with needles.

He said the nasal spray is effective and prevents those giving the drug from having to deal with needles.

“It acts very rapidly,” Rottinghaus said, adding a patient can go from flatlining to being conscious in a matter of seconds.

Butler Fire Chief Nick Ban said the bill offers potential to help save lives.

He said he would be in favor of his department having access to the drug since it is often the first to arrive at emergency or medical scenes.