FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Springfield Fire Department is proud to partner with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department to provide education and outreach information to our community regarding opioid use and the dangers of overdose.
Over the last four years, the Springfield Fire Department has averaged nearly 400 calls per year related to opioid overdose. In 2022, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department reported 99 deaths related to opioids. To help reduce the risk to our community, SFD’s first responders will begin administering naloxone (Narcan) to emergency medical services patients showing signs of opioid overdose.
Along with the administration of this life-saving medication, firefighters will also provide leave-behind kits at overdose patients’ homes. These kits will provide overdose patients and those who live with them with education on how to protect themselves and others from infection and overdoses, information on treatment facilities, mental health resources and information on how to download the online opioid death prevention app Revive. Along with the education materials, the kits also contain a CPR mouth shield, guidance on how to administer naloxone and two doses of the medication.
Along with the education materials, the kits also contain a CPR mouth shield, guidance on how to administer naloxone and two doses of the medication.
“Our goal is to see a reduction in opioid-related emergencies and deaths in our community,” said Jeff Prior, division chief of community risk reduction. If you or anyone you know could benefit from naloxone or additional resources in the leave-behind kits, you are encouraged to reach out to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department online at Revive417.com for additional information.”
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For more information, please contact Jeff Prior at 417-873-2340 or the Health Department PIO Team at 417-380-2556 or email at healthpio@springfieldmo.