Township firefighters and emergency medical technicians successfully tested their training on Narcan by reviving a victim of a drug overdose with the antidote.
The emergency medical division of the Plumsted Township Fire District made their first heroin overdose reversal using the antidote Naloxone, more popularly known as Narcan, on Saturday, June 14. They had just received training on Narcan by medical director Dr. Kenneth Lavelle a few weeks prior, according to a news release from the Plumsted Township Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 89, which is the union that represents career firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and officers.
The implementation of the Narcan program by the State of New Jersey has given crews the ability to assist overdose patients when time is critical.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. when the units were dispatched to help an unresponsive victim. Upon arrival Ambulance 309 met North Hanover Township Police and Fire Chief 4600 of Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company. They were giving the patient CPR, according to the news release.
The crew recognized the signs of an apparent drug overdose and administered the proper dosage of Narcan.These two efforts combined revived the patient and helped the patient to slowly regain consciousness, according to the news release.
Although Narcan successfully reversed the effects of the overdose, further medical treatment was needed.
Ambulance 309 met with Virtua Paramedic Unit 34 and transported the patient to an area hospital, where the patient made a full recovery, according to the news release.

