The Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers will all be carrying an opioid overdose reversal medication once they complete training.
The News-Press reports troopers, park rangers and conservation agents gathered at the patrol's headquarters last month for training on how to use Naloxone, also known as Narcan.
Patrol superintendent Col. Sandra Karsten directed the troopers to prepare to carry and be able to use Narcan.
The drug has been stored in ambulances for several years, but troopers will carry it as a means to bridge the gap until a paramedic arrives. Troopers are being trained to use the nasal spray version, which works in about two to five minutes.
Correction: In the original version of this story, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens signed an executive order in July that made the medication available over the counter. The medication is available over the counter but the governor's executive order did not address the issue.