It’s available in all Newton schools even and first responders in every neighboring community carry it. But Newton police and firefighters are responding to overdose calls without Narcan, the fast-acting drug that can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose, Jonathan Dame reports for the TAB
Potential use of the drug has been on the city’s radar for more than a year, but Newton has been slow to equip its public safety personnel with Narcan amid collective bargaining negotiations with its police and fire unions that have broken down.
…In 2014, five people died of such overdoses in Newton, according to preliminary state data released last month. State Police have investigated two opioid-related overdose deaths in Newton — both from heroin — so far in 2015, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
This is a very serious issue and as such Aldermen Harney, Norton, and myself have put this on the docket for Programs and Services, and Public Safety. The goal of this docket item is to find out exactly what is going in Newton as far as the opiate use, current policies, and what other actions we can take to support the medical and public safety communities.
Thank you Alderman Cote.
This item is not scheduled for this evening’s committee meeting but should see action rather quickly. I am sure we are not back burnered for styrofoam cup bans.
Thanks for posting this, Greg. As the five deaths in 2014 illustrate too well, there are many hundreds if not thousands of Newton residents who struggle every day with very real and dangerous drug (and alcohol) problems. As someone who has lost too many family members to drugs and alcohol, I find it inexcusable that our public safety personnel are not properly equipped to save lives. That being said, I’m confident that the leadership abilities of Aldermen Cote, Norton and Harney will produce results. This is literally an issue of life or death, so let’s see some strong teamwork that gets the job done. How is it in the great City of Newton that the implementation of Narcan has produced a year’s worth of meetings and collective bargaining talk?
I’m stunned that schools have it but not first responders.
I’m “stunned” too.⚡️I’m interested in what a “collective bargaining” stance has to with carrying a life saving agent. How about IV drips and defibrillators? Shouldn’t it just be another part of their equipment?
I am pleased to learn that they are in the schools.
Unlike firefighters and police officers, nurses have a much higher level of training and are therefore certified and licensed to administer drugs. That’s why it’s in the schools. And I suspect that the issue of liability plays a large part in both the stances of the unions and the City. On a broader scale, the opiate issue will not be solved by first responders administering narcan to overdose victims. This City needs to step up it’s game and have some plan in place to deal with the causes of drug abuse and sensible treatment plans for those who want help. Without resources in place, first responders will make no difference in the long run. Frankly, the city is way behind the times on this issue.
You’re absolutely correct, TheWholeTruth, that our city needs to step up it’s game. From an outsiders perspective, there appears to be a complete lack of leadership on these issues, which would explain why we are way behind the times. Not having a comprehensive strategy to combat the negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse is a problem that is only getting worse.
As the article states, “Paramedics, including those contracted to work on ambulances in Newton, have long carried Narcan…” The issue is that police and fire, who are the first to respond, do not. Just about anyone can be trained in the use of nasal Narcan – there was a story in the news this week about a Fitchburg library maintenance worker who took a 30 minute training and 2 days later helped save someone on his way home from work. (http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/11/10/fitchburg-overdose-rescue-narcan/)
And no, the opiate issue will not be solved by a first responder administering Narcan to an overdose victim – we desperately need more treatment and prevention programs. But it may give another chance to someone’s child, or spouse, or parent, or friend, who would otherwise die that day. And that DOES make a difference.
Exactly, Tricia. I’m glad you get it.