In a heart-stopping moment of quick thinking and courage, a 10-year-old child from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, saved their mother’s life after she overdosed on opioids. The woman, 44, was found unconscious in her home, but thanks to her child’s swift actions with a Narcan spray, the situation took a miraculous turn. Despite the child’s heroism, the incident has led to the mother’s arrest on drug-related charges, adding a tragic layer to what could have been a deadly day for the family.
A Shocking Discovery
The Portsmouth Police Department was called to the family home on the morning of June 10, 2025, after the child called 911, saying their mother wasn’t breathing. First responders arrived to find the 44-year-old woman unresponsive and showing signs of a possible overdose. Initial investigations pointed to fentanyl, a potent opioid, as the cause.
But the true hero of the day wasn’t a first responder or a trained medical professional—it was the 10-year-old child. The child, who had been taught how to use Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, acted quickly. According to reports, the child found the Narcan spray in the home and administered it to their mother. Within moments, the woman regained consciousness.
“Without Narcan, she wouldn’t have survived,” said a police spokesperson, commending the child’s quick thinking.
The Importance of Narcan
Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of opioid overdoses. When given in time, it blocks the dangerous effects of opioids like fentanyl, allowing the person to breathe again. Narcan can be administered by anyone, even those without medical training, as long as they’ve been given the proper instructions. In this case, the child had been trained through local community programs aimed at teaching people how to use Narcan in emergencies.
The fact that the child knew what to do, and acted quickly, has been praised by local authorities. Portsmouth Police Chief Robert J. Sullivan called it a “life-saving moment” and added, “This is a remarkable example of how public health initiatives, like Narcan training, can make all the difference. This child had the training and was able to act immediately.”
Arrest and Investigation
While the child’s actions are being hailed as heroic, the incident has taken a more serious turn. Authorities quickly discovered that the woman had a history of substance abuse. After further investigation, the woman was arrested on charges of illegal drug possession and endangerment of a child.
The arrest is particularly troubling for the family, as the woman’s actions—though they ended with a life being saved—highlight a much larger problem. According to the police, the child witnessed their mother’s overdose, which is a traumatic experience that will likely have emotional repercussions.
The child has been placed under the care of child welfare services, who are providing support. Although the child was not physically harmed, the psychological toll of seeing their mother in such a life-threatening state is not to be underestimated.
Opioid Crisis and Its Toll
This incident is part of a broader epidemic that continues to ravage communities across the U.S. New Hampshire, like many other states, has been deeply affected by the opioid crisis. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other drugs, has contributed to a sharp rise in overdose deaths in recent years.
In 2024, New Hampshire saw over 400 drug-related deaths, with fentanyl involved in the majority of those fatalities. Local officials say that while Narcan is an essential tool in reversing overdoses, it’s just a small part of a much larger problem that requires addressing addiction, prevention, and recovery support.
Local addiction recovery organizations have weighed in on the situation, urging the community to increase their focus on education, prevention, and providing resources for those struggling with substance abuse. “Narcan is vital,” said an addiction counselor in Portsmouth, “but we must also focus on preventing these situations from happening in the first place.”
A Community in Shock
The Portsmouth community has been shaken by the events. Many residents are stunned by the child’s actions and the fact that the family had to go through such an ordeal. In the wake of the incident, local community groups have rallied to support the child, providing counseling and emotional support for them as they cope with what happened.
At the same time, local addiction advocates are using the event to raise awareness about the realities of the opioid crisis. “This could have happened to any family,” said one advocate. “It’s important that we continue to support people who are in recovery, and also continue to educate young people about how to respond in these situations.”
The woman’s arrest has also sparked conversation around the need for more comprehensive drug treatment and mental health services in the area. Experts say that while Narcan can save a life in the moment, long-term recovery requires access to mental health care and addiction treatment.
Looking Ahead
The case remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to work on supporting the family as they move forward. The 10-year-old, now recognized as a local hero, is receiving the care they need to process the trauma they experienced.
In the meantime, the Portsmouth incident serves as a poignant reminder of both the dangers of opioid abuse and the power of community resources. While Narcan may have saved a life that day, there is still much work to be done to tackle the root causes of addiction and to support those affected by it.
