Why some firefighters do not administer Narcan

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – Firefighters are often the first to arrive on calls involving a drug overdose. Indiana law not only allows but encourages first responders to administer Narcan or Naloxone in overdose situations, but fire stations under the control of Medical Director Dr. Christopher Brandenburg such as Wabash Township Volunteer Fire Department are not allowed to administer the overdose antidote.

Assistant Medical Director Nick Sansone said it is a safety concern.

“You breathe for the patient until a licensed professional can give this medicine in very slow increments, so to not have the potential side effects of that medication,” said Sansone.

Sansone said Narcan can make a patient combative, causing a dangerous situation for volunteer firefighters.

“You know, a volunteer firefighter is going to get punched in the face because they totally reversed somebody who doesn’t know where they are, they’re on acute opiate withdraw,” said Sansone.

West Point Fire Chief Gary Cheesman said his department’s rural area is one of the reasons his medical director allows his volunteer firefighters to administer Narcan.

Response times are slower in the country than they are in places like Wabash Township.

“When 911 response is so quick, the risks just far outweigh the benefits at this time,” said Sansone.

West Lafayette Fire’s Deputy Chief Tony Schutter said he’s happy their department’s medical director allows firefighters to administer Narcan.

“We can assist them and keep them breathing,” said Schutter. “But they’re not actually breathing on their own without assistance, so basically the sooner the doctor feels that we can get them back to breathing on their own, the better results in longevity you’re going to have.”

He’s said that he’s seen Narcan save lives.

“It’s been positive every time,” said Schutter.

At the end of the day it’s up to a department’s medical director whether a firefighter can administer Narcan.