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EMS reports busiest September on record; Narcan leave-behind program expanded
Summary
Emergency services reported a record September with 111 calls, launched a Narcan leave-behind program now in first community uses, and briefed the council on a recent multistate medical-waste incident under investigation.
Chincoteague — Emergency Management Services told the council on Oct. 7 that September was the busiest on record, with 111 calls for service, and outlined recent programmatic changes including a Narcan leave-behind initiative.
Brian (speaker 13), who presented the EMS report, said the department handled 31 more calls than last September, noting that September 2012 previously held the prior high with 100 calls. "September was definitely one for the record books," he said.
Brian described the Narcan leave-behind program that trained staff to leave naloxone with family members or bystanders when appropriate; he reported two recent instances when Narcan was left at a scene to help protect against recurrent overdoses. He said the program’s funding for the leave-behind kits is being supported through opioid-settlement funds administered at the state/county level.
The EMS report also covered a regional medical-waste incident in September that required coordination across three states; Brian said the matter remains under investigation and that officials hope to identify and penalize the responsible party or parties.
Why it mattered: councilors noted the demands placed on EMS during busy months and the public-health value of Narcan availability. Staff emphasized household preparedness for hurricanes and severe weather as the region entered a busy storm period.
Next steps: staff will continue regional planning exercises, monitor Narcan program implementation and provide updates as the medical-waste investigation proceeds.
