PROJECT NARCAN
A Student in the South Side of Chicago received a spray of Narcan, a medicine that can revive people who are overdosing on an opioid.
The first year school teacher, who the district states that will remain anonymous, is being hailed for her quick thinking and response time.
DaShawn didn't respond when the first year teacher asked him politely to sit up. The teacher approached him, gently budged DaShawn. Nothing. She touched his back. "We don't sleep in class, DaShawn."
From live footage uploaded to Instagram, a student is heard saying "That Nigga weak, can't handle Bozooka."
The first year teacher is seen walking to her desk and reading a piece of literature, laminated and on red cardstock. It is later learned that the first year teacher referenced a drug-cheat-sheet provided by the district. Bozooka: slang for weed laced with cocaine.
She alertly grabs the Narcan from inside her desk; the first year teacher is then seen grabbing the shoulders of DaShawn.
A student not seen on video: Oh, shit. This bitch gonna get fired.
Another student not seen on video: She trying to save that Nigga's life.
DaShawn is seen tilted with his head back as if he's looking up at the ceiling--unconscious.
The first year teacher inserts Narcan in DaShawn's nose. It appears that the first year teacher contemplates something before spraying the bottle. Perhaps she's thinking back on the mandatory training teachers experienced during professional development week before school started.
The first year teacher sprays the bottle of Narcan. DaShawn quickly gained consciousness.
Critics say the first year teacher's actions are financially motivated.
The district instated PROJECT NARCAN.
The first year teacher will receive compensation for saving the life of DaShawn. Teachers aren't liable for not using Narcan. Instead, parents have the option to deposit money into a district account for students with substance abuse issues. The teacher's union agreed to the monetary incentive, anywhere from the mandatory $1,000.00 and upwards. The school district will receive 20% of the deposited fee for students who survive.
On Instagram, DaShawn's mom thanked the first year teacher with the following written message: "I want to thank that teacher for saving my baby."