Laced heroin is responsible for more than 200 recent overdoses in the Louisville area. Now, Kentucky’s health director warns Labor Day weekend could bring a continued crisis.
Pharmacies are stocking up on naloxone or Narcan, the overdose antidote. Some providers are even giving the antidote away.
University of Louisville Hospital has gotten so many media questions it put out a statement saying, simply, it’s ready.
The challenge, as doctors and patients in recovery admit, is that some addicts are looking for these more dangerous doses.
Norton’s ER staff finds itself using twice as much Naloxone, sometimes twice as often, for this “elephant tranq” strain.
The spray version, which is available in kits in drug stores, is a way for families to take action if first responders are swamped.
On September 8 and 9, Kentucky’s Harm Reduction Coalition and Metro’s Health Department are offering free Naloxone kits and training on how to match syringes and inhalers. Also on Monday, September 12 and Thursday, Septemeber 22.
Health experts say to watch for these signs of an overdose which include a pale face or blue skin around the fingers or lips, a limp body or a slow irregular or weak pulse, throwing up, passing out and choking, gurgling or snoring sounds.
If you suspect someone has overdosed, experts advise you to call 911, clear the person’s airways and give rescue breathing, also give them naloxone if it is available.
Source: WAVE
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