PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department is now equipped with Narcan.

 

The firefighters are being equipped with the overdose reversing drug through a Massachusetts Department of Public Health grant. All of the engine companies were issued nasal Nalozone - Narcan - on Tuesday morning.

 

The drug reverses potentially fatal opioid overdoses by displacing the drug from the receptors in the brain. The drug is said to have minimal side effects and is not dangerous if administered to someone who is not overdosing. But, it does have the potential to save a life in some instances. 

 

From now on, if the department responds to a call in which a person has overdoses, the firefighters will administer Narcan. All firefighters will be trained in-house by the Captains Stanley Caesar and Neil Myers.

 

"Given the current epidemic this country is facing, it is absolutely necessary that as first responders, we are equipped with this life saving drug," Fire Chief Czerwinski said. "By administering Narcan, we hope to save lives of residents who have overdosed."

 

Pittsfield is just the latest of multiple fire and police departments throughout the state to start carrying the drug.