FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Mayor Tom Henry and the Fort Wayne Fire Department today announced two new initiatives designed to enhance health and public safety.
Mayor Henry, Public Safety Director Rusty York, and Fire Chief Eric Lahey visited Fire Station 7 on Lindenwood Avenue to discuss how Narcan and metronomes are assisting firefighters in providing lifesaving care.
Narcan is an opiate antagonist that helps with the survival rate of heroin overdose victims. Narcan is now available on all fire apparatus, which is resulting in faster administration to patients in need of the medication. The Kosciusko Sheriff's Department started using it last week.
From January 1, 2015-August 3, 2015, the Fort Wayne Fire Department and EMS have responded to 115 overdose patients in need of Narcan. Over the last 10 days, Fire Station 7 has responded to two overdose cases where Narcan was administered.
Officials from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health attended today’s announcement to show support of Narcan being available on fire apparatus and discuss the challenges associated with drug abuse.
Another way the Fort Wayne Fire Department is improving patient care is through the use of metronomes. Studies show that good compressions delivered at a steady rate are a crucial factor in delivering quality CPR. Sweetwater has donated 40 metronomes that will help firefighters deliver quality compressions to individuals in an emergency.
Sweetwater Founder and President Chuck Surack was recognized at today’s event.
“Our community’s commitment to health and public safety is evident by the public and private sectors coming together to say we must continue to advance our City to be the best,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re fortunate to be part of a City that’s moving in the right direction with positive momentum and a vision for ensuring we’re always looking for ways to enhance our ability to help those in need and address serious issues to keep Fort Wayne residents safe and healthy to be able to enjoy the quality of life amenities we have to offer.”
“The Fort Wayne Fire Department is honored to partner with local health professionals and Sweetwater in our ongoing commitment to serving and protecting residents and businesses in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Fire Chief Lahey. “We’re working each day to be engaging and innovative as we perform our duties to the best of our abilities.”
