News Flash

Eastside Fire & Rescue Brings Naloxone Leave-Behind Kits to King County

Naloxone Kits will be carried on all Eastside Fire & Rescue first response apparatus 

ISSAQUAH, Wash., Feb. 16, 2022 – The current pandemic combined with the rise in fentanyl use has caused a substantial increase in overdoses in King County. Eastside Fire & Rescue's (EF&R) service area has had a total of 67 fatal overdoses since January 2020. EF&R is partnering with King County Public Health to bring the Naloxone Leave-Behind Program to our service area. The program aims to prevent opioid overdose with the help of the CORE Connect (CORE) program to connect people with resources for care, treatment, and recovery.

"EF&R's focus is on the overall health and care of the community we serve," said Fire Chief Jeff Clark. "The Naloxone Leave-Behind Program is a pathway toward reducing opioid death in our region and connecting those in need to the services available to them."

Naloxone Leave-Behind Kits carry two four-milligram Narcan nasal sprays, instructions for administration, and information about recovery programs in the area. All EF&R first response apparatus and the CORE team will carry the Naloxone Leave-Behind Kits. The kits will be distributed as needed to overdose patients or their family members, friends, or cohabitants. EF&R will refer those receiving the leave-behind kits to the CORE program to contact and offer recovery services.

"Recovery is such a key part of the opioid use disorder," said Deputy Director of Community Services at EF&R Jamie Formisano. "We partnered with King County's Eastgate Public Health and Swedish Issaquah Emergency Room to create a coordinated care pathway for individuals seeking care after receiving the Naloxone Leave-Behind Kits."

Opioid overdoses, including those involving heroin, oxytocin, and fentanyl, can be treated using Naloxone. Increasing access to Naloxone, resources, and recovery programs are essential to reducing fatal and non-fatal overdoses in every community. The Naloxone Leave-Behind Kits will be carried on the EF&R apparatus starting next week. 

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Eastside Fire & Rescue provides fire and emergency medical services to Issaquah, North Bend, Sammamish, Carnation, Preston, May Valley, Wilderness Rim, Tiger Mountain, and Woodinville. EF&R averages 14,000 calls per year and employs 188 sworn personnel.