State Representative Haraz Ghanbari, along with the Wood County Health Department and first responders, reported the launch of lifesaving training.
The training is designed to teach tow truck drivers, and other non-traditional first responders who might be first to the scene of a call for service, how to properly administer naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan.
“Incidents have occurred here in Ohio, and across the country, where our first responders have been exposed to illicit drugs that subsequently required the use of naloxone,” Ghanbari said. “Our tow truck drivers, and others not usually equipped or trained on the use of naloxone, work side by side with our police, fire and EMS personnel, so this training is vital to them as well.”
In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health’s project DAWN, participants also will learn how an overdose occurs and how to recognize the signs. All participants receive Narcan at no cost, provided through the health department and project DAWN.
“As a health department, this is part of what we do. It is our job to bring community partners together to identify risks and their root causes. As long as substance use disorder exists, there is a risk to our first responders as well. This initiative can help mitigate that risk,” said Benjamin Robison, Wood County health commissioner.
In addition, the health department is prepared to support other counties across Ohio who seek to implement this program.
“At the Wood County ADAMHS board, we are so pleased to be part of an initiative that can help wrap support around our first responders as they go out every day and meet the needs of our community. Naloxone saves lives and also becomes that bridge to recovery,” said Amanda Kern, executive director, Wood County ADAMHS board.
“Every layer of protection we can add for our first responders is critical,” said Wood County EEMA director Jeff Klein. “By educating more people, Wood County is building a stronger, more prepared community that can combat the opioid crisis head-on.”
Ben Robison, Wood County health commissioner, Luke Ward, assistant Bowling Green fire chief and Amanda Kern, Wood CountyADAMHS board executive director, also were in attendance.
