Program Gives Manchester Responders More To Combat Overdoses

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester responders have beefed-up their capabilities to combat drug overdoses.

The Manchester Fire Department, in collaboration with the state of Connecticut, Manchester Social Services, CCAR and Pathfinders, is participating in the Narcan Leave Behind Program. Manchester Fire Paramedics administer Narcan over 150 times annually, officials said.

The grant-funded program allows responders to leave a kit of essentials at the scene of an opiate incident, providing resources for future initial overdose management, access to opportunities for assistance, and a path to recovery, officials said.

Each kit provides the opportunity for a civilian to manage an overdose before paramedics arrive, and includes instructions, options to access 911, two doses of Narcan, a CPR face shield and resources for recovery assistance, officials said.