Mastic, NY (SmithtownRadio.com) – For the second time this month, a Suffolk police officer has used a drug from a new statewide pilot program to save the life of an overdose victim.

Seventh Precinct Police Officer Michael Alfieri was on routine patrol on Squaw Lane Tuesday when he was flagged down by a man whose wife was unresponsive and not breathing, police say. Officer Alfieri revived the victim by administering Narcan through a nasal passage. The drug, scientifically known as naloxone injection, reduces the effects of narcotic overdose by blocking heroin and other opioids in the brain for at least 30 minutes, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Suffolk police recently joined statewide pilot program allowing officers to administer the drug. This is the second time this month Officer Alfieri has saved a life using the drug.

There were a reported 1,818 drug-related deaths in 2008, according to the state agency. For prescription pain medication and heroin hospitalizes there were 9,135 emergency department visits and 21,202 hospital admissions reported for 2008.

The 30-year-old woman rescued Tuesday in Mastic was transported by Mastic Rescue to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue for treatment.

The Suffolk County Police Department recently began carrying Narcan in patrol cars in the Fourth, Sixth and Seventh Precincts as well as on police boats.