PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

Date: August 14, 2018               

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

 Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force Releases Recommendation

Encourages Naloxone Be Stored in Public Places in AED Storage Units

ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force (“ECOETF”) recommends storing naloxone (Narcan®) in automated defibrillator units (“AEDs”) in well-marked locations.  Naloxone is an opioid antidote that can resuscitate persons who overdose on opioids, such as heroin. 

This recommendation supports the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory (April 2018) that all members of the public should know how to use naloxone and that keeping it within reach can save a life.

Opioids affect the user’s ability to breathe, so it is vital that rescuers be able to find naloxone as quickly as possible.By standardizing storage of naloxone in AED storage units, both the public and first responders can access it quickly in an overdose. This is especially critical if you or a loved one is at risk for an opioid overdose.

• Drugs sold on the street are so strong that it takes numerous doses of naloxone to reverse overdoses.
• Since not everyone carries a naloxone, it is important to store naloxone in a well-known location safe from extreme temperatures where it can be accessed quickly.
• Naloxone should be stored in an easy-to-reach location and checked periodically for availability and potency. 

The ECOETF recommends naloxone be considered as necessary as other tools used to save lives: AEDs, first aid kits or fire extinguishers.  For additional information or to arrange training in recognizing an opiate overdose and how to use naloxone to reverse an overdose, contact Cheryll Moore at 716-858-7695 or cheryll.moore@erie.gov .

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For more information:

Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force