Two community paramedics gave a short public presentation describing how to recognize and respond to an overdose, how to use Narcan nasal spray and where to find local treatment and recovery resources.

The presenters, Leslie, a community paramedic, and Jennifer, a community paramedic, said their team visits patients at home to help manage chronic conditions, provide preventive care and connect people with medical and social resources. Leslie said, “Community paramedics are specially trained paramedics who do more than respond to 911 calls. We visit patients at home, help manage chronic conditions, provide preventative care, and connect people with medical and social resources. We focus on supporting people at risk for overdose through programs like our Post Overdose Response Team or PORT for short.”

The paramedics emphasized signs of an overdose and immediate actions. Leslie listed common indicators and said an overdose “happens when someone takes too much of a substance, often opioids, and their body can't function properly. Signs include pinpoint pupils, slow or no breathing, unresponsiveness, or blue lips and nails.” Jennifer urged bystanders to call 911 and use Narcan if available and warned against unsafe revival attempts: “Do not try to wake someone by putting them in a shower or throwing cold water on them. These methods are dangerous and ineffective.”

The presenters demonstrated the two-dose Narcan nasal spray and gave specific, practical instructions. Leslie said recipients receive a box with two doses and described administration: “All you have to do is put it in his nose and push the plunger all the way down, and then you take it out. You don't have to prime it. You don't have to do a test squirt.” She added guidance on timing: “It's very easy. And after 3 minutes, if he doesn't start breathing, you can give him the second dose.”

Both presenters also described other resources distributed by their team: free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, medication-assisted treatment, support groups and crisis lines. Jennifer told the audience, “If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, we have resources right here in our county,” and noted that anyone can dial 988 for assistance with mental health disorders and substance use disorders. The paramedics said their Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) responds after nonfatal overdoses to connect individuals with treatment and recovery services.

The presentation was informational; no motions, votes or formal board actions were made during the remarks. The record contains inconsistent county names used by the presenters: they referred to both “Martin County” and “Mahoning County” at different points; the transcript does not make clear which county the paramedics represent. The presenters repeatedly encouraged people to reach out proactively for help and concluded by urging the community to obtain resources and training rather than waiting for an emergency.

Emergency contacts and next steps mentioned in the presentation: call 911 in an overdose emergency and dial 988 for crisis support; community paramedics also distribute Narcan and can connect people to treatment and recovery services.