As most of us are aware the opioid epidemic sweeping our nation is killing loved ones and destroying families.

Unfortunately our EMS personnel have experienced a marked increase in the number of overdoses they respond to monthly.

Within the last week alone our EMS providers responded to 5 overdoses. Two involved young men in there twenties who were in respiratory arrest upon arrival of the Police and EMS personnel. Fortunately both were successfully resuscitated, however leaving their families with emotional scars and worry as to when this may happen again.

While we can’t be more proud of the work our Fire/EMS and Police personnel are doing in terms of providing compassionate high quality medical care to the victims we are saddened these responses are increasing!

Unfortunately now First Responders are dealing with a growing concern and that surrounds a new mixture of heroine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other synthetic opioids. These new drug compounds pose a serious danger and have the potential of affecting the health of the First Responder.

Carfentanil is a tranquilizing agent used for elephants and other large mammals.

Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related compounds can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally inhaled therefore putting the first responders in harms way of potential drug overdose due to inadvertent exposure.

To that end our EMS Leadership has taken the proactive step of putting a dose of Narcan on our Units solely to be administered to Fire and Police personnel in the event of an accidental overdose. We pray we never have to use it!

EMS Captain Greg Kohlmaier summed it up best when saying "we are committed to battling the epidemic along with families and providing compassionate care until a solution can be identified".

Remember, Narcan is only a cure for an immediate overdose and not a solution for addiction. If you know someone who is battling addition and need help you can reach out to Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services 1-800-662-4357 for resources.

Lastly, special thanks to Hopewell Road Pharmacy for providing us our medications at cost! We appreciate your partnership.