Onslow County (N.C.) EMS Initiates Naloxone Distribution Program

ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) - A drug that reverses potentially fatal overdoses such as heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers, and its derivatives is now more accessible to overdose patients and their support systems in Onslow County, under new efforts by Onslow County. In June 2016, North Carolina became the third state in the country to establish a standing order that allows naloxone to be given to people without a doctor’s prescription (Senate Bill 734). In 2017, Onslow County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to 20,438 calls for service and EMS providers administrated Narcan 355 times. As of March 2018, overdose survivors treated by Onslow County EMS paramedics who refuse hospital treatment are provided an antidote that can revive them if they overdose again. Officials with Onslow County EMS confirmed on Tuesday, they have implemented a Naloxone distribution program by way of their Community Paramedic program. David Grovdahl, EMS Division Head, stated that the goal is to put this antidote into the hands of those most likely to be able to use it. “Naloxone is not treatment, it will not fix the addiction, but it can save lives and provide the opportunities for individuals to seek paths to recovery,” said Grovdahl. Read more...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Videos Patient Care Source Type: news