Cork fire crews to carry drug that reverses effects of opioid overdose

Fire brigade crews in Cork will now carry naloxone, a medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs in the event of an overdose.

Welcoming the news, Fianna Fáil Councillor Colm Kelleher, a long advocate for addiction services, told The Echo: “This is something I’ve been pushing for and firefighters have been calling for themselves for years.

“It’s very welcome news, people I have spoken to who work for addiction services highlighted that this was necessary a number of years ago so I am glad to see it rolled out now.

“Naloxone is a lifesaver, a delegation from Cork city council visited Lisbon to see how they do things there and the benefit of naloxone was outlined to us there, how effective and how quick acting it is.” 

Mr Kelleher added: “This is only a really small part of a very big puzzle, but it all ties in together and this step is very welcome.” Cork City Fire Brigade’s Second Officer Victor Shine explained that the official launch of firefighters carrying naloxone will be today, following comprehensive training.

Speaking on The Cork's 96FM Opinion Line with PJ Coogan, Mr Shine said: “It's a fantastic development for ourselves, because we may come across the effects of narcotics in resting areas, on top of tables, benches and so on when we're doing our normal operation duties.

“But for somebody who overdoses, we now have the capability of reversing that situation.” 

He added that their first aid training is “a very high standard”, saying that this is the next step in enhancing their skills to assist their colleagues in the National Ambulance Service as well.

The fire service are now registered with the Health Products Regulatory Authority, and all Cork city firefighters are licensed to deliver the medication now.

Mr Shine added that drug overdoses are becoming more frequent in the city, saying: “Unfortunately, it is on the increase and this is what got us concerned.

“The amount of medical assists that we're doing with the HSE has brought us to the recognition that drug overdosing in Cork is increasing and we have to be able to respond to the after effects of that.”