Need for Fire brigade to respond to drug overdoses has become 'critical'

Cork City Fire Brigade says the need for crews to respond to drug overdoses has become critical.

Fire crew members will now be able to administer naloxone to someone who has overdosed on opioid drugs.

The HSE has now delivered the vials, which can temporarily reverse opioid overdose effects, so that crews can begin their training.

Second Officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, Victor Shine says there’s a vital need for crew members to administer naloxone in Cork.

"We have identified that the use of narcotics in around the city and the need for us to be able to respond to these type of medical emergencies has become critical.

"We have taken on the role of doing that now in conjunction with out HSE partners."