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Reading EMS reports 28–30 Narcan events in January; 2024 logged about 19,000 calls
Summary
The Board heard an EMS update reporting roughly 28–30 naloxone administrations in January, about 19,000 calls for assistance in 2024, ongoing social‑service referrals and a transition to a new billing company; staff urged residents with billing problems to contact Esmeralda or the chief’s office.
Michael, representing emergency medical services, told the board the agency responded to roughly 28–30 naloxone (Narcan) events in January and that the department recorded about 19,000 calls for assistance in 2024.
“We had roughly about, 28 to 30 Narcan events again for the month of January,” Michael said. He added that EMS personnel have filed social‑service referrals — including to children and youth services, the agency on aging and adult protective services — when they observed unsafe conditions; Michael said they do not always receive follow‑up information after making referrals.
Michael also said the service is transitioning to a new billing company that is functioning but still cleaning up records from the previous contractor. He asked that residents with suspected billing errors contact Esmeralda or the chief’s office for help.
On overdose trends, Michael told the board seasonal variation exists: winter months sometimes show fewer overdoses and summertime numbers can be higher. He also reported that the system has seen occasional cases where naloxone produced limited response, likely because of synthetic or mixed substances and that confirmatory drug screens often occur after hospital transport.
No board action was taken; the report was informational and the board did not direct new policy.
