Fentanyl Crisis Subsiding on East End as Overdose Deaths Plummet, Thanks to Over-the-Counter Narcan
In a significant development, the East End of Long Island is witnessing a decline in overdose deaths related to the fentanyl crisis. According to Dr. Lawrence Schiff, the vice service chief of emergency medicine at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, the number of opioid overdose deaths has dropped significantly since the summer of 2021.
The decrease in fatal overdoses can be attributed, in part, to the availability of over-the-counter Narcan, also known as naloxone. Narcan is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and has been hailed as a game changer by Dr. Schiff. The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of an over-the-counter version of Narcan in March 2023 has played a crucial role in saving lives during those critical minutes after a victim stops breathing.
Dr. Schiff emphasized the importance of speed in responding to overdose cases. When a suspected overdose victim is not breathing and exhibits pinpoint pupils, it is likely an overdose situation. First responders and emergency room doctors immediately spring into action, assessing the patient’s condition and gathering vital information from witnesses or family members.
The introduction of over-the-counter Narcan has empowered first responders, including EMS personnel and police officers, to administer the medication even before reaching the hospital. This immediate action is crucial since the brain begins to suffer irreversible damage in just four minutes of oxygen deprivation. By reversing the effects of opioids with Narcan, responders can help victims start breathing on their own again.
Chief Jim Read of the Shelter Island Police has witnessed the positive impact of Narcan firsthand, with police vehicles equipped with the medication. He highlighted the decline in overdose deaths since the summer of 2021 but noted that overdoses themselves remain a prevalent issue. Chief Martin Flatley of the Southold Town Police agreed, stating that although the number of overdose deaths has decreased, officers still respond to overdose incidents regularly.
Both chiefs credited the availability and use of Narcan kits as a significant factor in reducing fatalities. Narcan is increasingly being administered by friends and family members before emergency personnel arrive. However, they also expressed frustration over the cyclical nature of addiction, with individuals revived multiple times only to relapse.
While the drop in overdose deaths is encouraging news, it is essential to continue addressing the underlying issues associated with substance abuse. The prevalence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, in street drugs has increased the risk of overdoses. Ongoing efforts are necessary to provide support, education, and treatment options to those struggling with addiction.
Overall, the availability of over-the-counter Narcan has played a pivotal role in saving lives on the East End. With its rapid application, first responders can reverse opioid overdoses and provide critical care during those crucial minutes before reaching the hospital. As the fight against the fentanyl crisis continues, the significance of immediate intervention and access to life-saving medications like Narcan cannot be understated.
