YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — Border agents in San Luis saved the life of an American woman when she overdosed at the port of entry Tuesday.

A port agricultural specialist, who was cross-trained as an emergency medical technician, was able to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose.

Transporting medicines has been crucial for border agents.

Justin Winburn, watch commander at the Port of San Luis, said he has received more than 900 medical calls since last October. He said that’s one of the reasons they have about a dozen paramedics ready to help and administer naloxone at the port.

Winburn said they receive a wide range of medical calls, but overdoses are becoming far too common.

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Last month, the port had another case where it had to rescue an unconscious woman suffering from an opioid overdose.

“We (see) opioid overdoses, gunshot wounds, people seriously injured in car accidents, so it’s a great asset to have at the port of entry.” It’s a great asset to the community,” he said.

Winburn said it was the officer’s quick action that made the difference.

“In this particular incident, the agriculture specialist had to take off his agriculture hat and put on the EMT hat. Congratulations to him because it ultimately saved this woman’s life,” he said.

Winburn said these life-saving practices have been beneficial to the port of entry, especially since the nearest hospital is a 30-minute drive away.

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