In the very near future, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority firefighters will begin carrying and administering the drug Narcan (Naloxone) to fight overdoses due to opioids.

Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy, although there are semi-synthetic derivatives. Morphine, heroin, methadone, and the pain killers Hydrocodone and oxycodone are all types of opioids.

Opioids can cause respiratory depression, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Naloxone works by countering the effects of opioids, especially in overdose cases. It does this by blocking the opioids from the receptors in the brain, reversing the effects of the opioids, helping the patient’s breathing return to normal.

Naloxone administered to a person who is not having an opioid overdose will not have any effect.

The firefighters will administer Naloxone intra-nasally with a spray, similar to the way many over-the-counter nasal medications are used.

Patients in respiratory or cardiac arrest will continue to be treated with CPR or oxygen therapy with Naloxone supporting these other life-saving treatments.

According to South King County Fire Training Consortium Captain Dawn Judkins, “Adding Narcan to the tool box of firefighters throughout south King County makes them that much better able to help people when they need that help the most.”

Firefighters are currently being trained by King County Medic One in the Naloxone use protocols. King County Medic One already carries Naloxone.