Matt Biasatti, captain of clinical practices for Williamson County EMS, trained seven Sheriff's Office deputies last Monday on the administration of Narcan, an opioid antidote. The course was offered in response to an increase in lethal opioid overdoses nationwide and a rising concern of deputies accidentally coming into contact with drugs classified as opioids – which include heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl. "[Opioid overdose] is a pretty big issue nationwide," Biasatti said. "It's not an issue [in Williamson County] yet, but that's not to say it won’t be soon. It's really a matter of when, not if." Opioids killed more than 33,000 people nationwide in 2015, which was more than any other year on record, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Opioids are psychoactive depressants, meaning that they lower the vital activities of the central nervous system. According to the World Health Organization, opioid overdoses are caused from consuming opioids in high doses, which depresses respiratory function and can lead to death. Narcan, an emergency treatment in the case of an overdose, reverses life-threatening effects by blocking the opioid from the opioid receptors in the brain. The drug is administered using a soft cone placed inter-nasally, similar to using a nasal spray, Biasatti said. Williamson County EMS administered Narcan 120 times during 2016, he said. The seven officers who have been trained will now train others across the department, including all patrol and specialized units, in administering the drug. Each officer would be equipped with the nasal device and up to 2 vials, or 4 milligrams worth of the drug. The departments estimate it would cost around $3,000 to outfit the entire staff with the necessary equipment and drugs.