Hamburg discusses EMS Narcan training

HAMBURG — The Hamburg Borough Council is weighing the benefits of offering training to EMS and firefighters in the event they arrive on a scene first.

Since the implementation of the Narcan program went countywide, it has been credited with saving numerous lives at risk of opiate overdose.

Law enforcement was given training on how and when to administer the drug in an overdose situation. The majority of the time police are the first on the scene, however, the council wants to meet with EMS and fire departments regarding training measures and departmental interest. Currently, only police are trained and permitted to administer Narcan.

"In my opinion, EMS should be trained," Councilman Ron Garrett said. "The police are usually the first, but, an EMT should be trained to administer Narcan."

While no plans or resolutions have been finalized, the council would like to open a dialog with emergency departments to have members trained. So far, the program has been viewed as a success with law enforcement.

"Opiates aren't just illegal drugs," Councilman Mark Sena said. "They are prescription drugs too."

A point raised was that there have been elderly overdoses due to the misuse of prescription drugs, with that demographic is on the rise. With the addition of qualified EMS members training to administer Narcan, the hope is more lives can be saved.

According to councilman Daniel Barr, "Anyone that wants to be trained on this should be allowed to do so."