OVERDOSE DEATHS STRAIN FIRST RESPONDERS

An increase in drug overdose deaths is putting a strain on first responders, prompting the development of new strategies to better help people with addiction and training mechanisms to teach paramedics, police and firefighters how to cope with what they experience on the job once they are off the clock.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this month found a record high of almost 97,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in March, a 29.6 percent increase.

“What we are seeing is a dramatic increase in suicide and a dramatic increase in overdoses. Those calls are not fun,” said Bruce Evans, president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Prevention: First responders are now exploring new strategies to get people the help they need to avoid more deaths. In Huntington, W.Va., a quick response team, including a paramedic, mental health professional and a faith leader, visits those who suffer overdoses within 72 hours following a call.

“That tells that person we care for them; we don’t want them to die,” said Jan Rader, the fire chief in Huntington.