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Board approves $3,510 opioid-settlement purchase for Sioux City Fire Rescue breathing trainer
Summary
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approved using $3,510 from an opioid settlement fund to buy a Safe BVM Solitar Q trainer and supplies for Sioux City Fire Rescue, with training available to county crews.
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a $3,510 purchase from an opioid settlement fund for a Safe BVM Solitar Q trainer and a supply of Solitar BVM devices for Sioux City Fire Rescue.
The trainer will be used to teach controlled ventilation techniques for overdose victims, the department said. “With the opioids, it's not enough to just give some Narcan and hope that that works,” Jim Hayden, EMS director for Sioux City Fire, told the board. Hayden added that the device can help slow and moderate ventilation: “We need to also support that airway and continue to breathe for them to a point.”
The request was presented as an allowable use under the county’s opioid settlement Exhibit A. The board approved the purchase by voice vote; Supervisor Mark Nelson moved the motion and Supervisor Dietrich seconded it. The motion passed 5-0.
Hayden told the board that the device is the only product on the market the department found that enforces the slower, shallower ventilations now recommended for some overdose resuscitations. He also said Sioux City Fire Rescue would offer training to other county crews who want to attend.
Supporters framed the purchase as equipment and training tied to the county’s opioid settlement uses rather than a general operating subsidy. No public speaker opposed the item during the meeting.
The department’s packet included a vendor quote for the Safe BVM equipment. The board did not set any additional conditions when it approved the expenditure; staff will complete procurement consistent with county purchasing rules.
Woodbury County will record the purchase from the opioid-settlement fund and the trainer will be added to Sioux City Fire Rescue equipment inventory. The department said it plans to schedule training for county responders in the coming weeks.
