Lindenhurst EMT Saves Overdose Victim

The life of a 22-year-old man overdosing on heroin was saved on Wednesday afternoon by a member of the Lindenhurst Fire Department using intranasal Narcan.

According to officials at the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Emergency Medical Technician Ron Tappen responded to an ambulance call at 3:20 p.m. on March 13 and upon arrival at a local parking lot he found an unresponsive man.

Tappen noted the man was breathing only four times per minute, and had a hypodermic needle lying next to him, Suffolk Health officials said.

Tappen administered intranasal Narcan, and the man regained consciousness immediately, officials said.

The man, who stated he'd shot up heroin, was immediately transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by the LFD ambulance, according to officials.

“The use of Narcan has saved lives in Suffolk County, and I'm thankful that EMTs have the ability to administer this drug through Suffolk County’s pilot program,” said County Executive Steve Bellone said in a release about the incident.

“I commend the staff of our Division of Emergency Medical Services for doing an outstanding job in training the County’s basic EMTs in the administration of this life-saving antidote,” Bellone added.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services coordinates the New York State Department of Health pilot program involving the administration of intranasal Narcan by Basic Life Support technicians, including local police officers.

Narcan is a prescription drug used to reverse opiate overdoses, and it's has been used by Advanced Life Support technicians in Suffolk County for years, Suffolk Health officials noted.

Related Coverage:

• Lindenhurst EMT Saves Overdose Victim
• First Precinct Officers Rescue Overdose Victim at Sal's Fruit Tree 
• First Precinct the Beneficiary of Life-Saving Narcan Program

Connect:  Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Blogging | Posting Photos | Announcements | Events