YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — U.S. Customs and Border agents at the San Luis, Ariz., port of entry are being hailed as heroes after saving the life of an American woman after she suffered a drug overdose 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 noted that they receive a wide variety of medical calls, but overdoses are becoming more 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 lifesaving practices have greatly benefited officers at the San Luis Port of Entry, especially since the nearest hospital is a 30-minute drive away.

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