Opioid Epidemic and Narcan 

Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities is currently in the middle of an opioid epidemic along with the rest of the United States. Both prescription and illicit opioids have infiltrated homes and destroyed families in our areas. Opioids are potent medications that decrease respiratory drive. When taken in excess, it can cause the user to stop breathing effectively. If not immediately reversed, overdose on opioids can cause brain damage or even worse, death. To combat the epidemic, various organizations have began distributing Narcan. Narcan is a drug that can reverse the effects of opioids and thus raise the patient's respiratory rate, preventing brain damage or death from lack of oxygen. 

Narcan Administration Classes

NorthWest EMS is excited to offer narcan administration classes to if you are interested in organizing a stop the bleed class for your local organization (i.e. girl scout group, youth group, school community, neighborhood, etc...), please contact Keith Jankowski at kjankowski@northwestems.net. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, please visit the Allegheny County Heath Department Overdose Prevention Project website here.
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