I was at a recent meeting of a statewide opiate overdose working group, composed of a wide variety of community stakeholders all committed to helping curb the crisis, when I heard one woman say our goal should be Narcan in every medicine cabinet. Certainly Narcan should be in the homes of any person with a […]

Merry Christmas, Nathan Hale Merry Christmas, Stegosaurus Merry Christmas,  Departed Merry Christmas, Brotherman Merry Christmas, True Hearts Fat Turkeys and presents for all! Stay safe.

As the opiate epidemic fueled by the overprescription of Oxycontin and the false claims of its safety is devastating our country, the Los Angeles Times is reporting the drug companies are now aggressively marketing the controversial painkiller overseas, using the same tactics they employed in this country. OxyContin goes global — “We’re only just getting started” Read the entire […]

52,404 Americans died of preventable drug overdoses in 2015, an 11% increase over 2015 according to a report released December 16, 2016 by the Centers for Disease Control. The death rate from synthetic opiates rose a chilling 73%. Overdose deaths now far outstrip car crash fatalities (37,757) and gun deaths (36,252). Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved […]

  When I started as a paramedic in Hartford in 1995, only paramedics carried Naloxone.  Today, BLS ambulances carry it as well as our first responding Hartford Fire Department.  A month from now, our Hartford Police Department officers will also carry it.  This is a good thing. Hartford Police Begin Carrying Naloxone As Drug Overdose Deaths […]

  I used to believe that addiction was a character flaw, and that the drug fiends I treated on the streets of Hartford were there due to their own poor choices.  That doesn’t mean I treated them badly. I have always tried to treat all my patients as if I were treating members of my […]

A 24 year old man from one of Hartford’s suburbs had his life saved by a newspaper. He got into heroin five years ago through, in his own words “stupidity.”   While many get into it through injury, a doctor’s prescription exposing them to opiates, taking too many, becoming addicted, getting cut off or needing […]

On November 17, 2016, the Surgeon General of the United States issued a report, Facing Addiction in America. The 400 plus page report is a fascinating read that draws on the latest research and data to describe the current opioid crisis, the science behind addiction and the best prospects for treatment and prevention. Landmark report […]

Bart Simpson is in his parent’s Subaru parked to the side of a gas station in Hartford, Ct near the highway ramps.  The car is running, in drive, his foot is on the brake.  He is slumped forward against the wheel.  This has aroused the attention of passerbys who have called 911.  An ambulance arrives […]

The Opiate Refusal Called for ETOH.  On arrival found 28 year old male slumped on park bench, GCS-3, respiratory rate -4, cyanotic around lips.  Does not respond to stimulation.  Given 2 mg Narcan IN by FD just prior to our arrival, ventilated with ambu-bag using two person method.  Initial ETCO2-94.  Sinus at 88.  BP 130/70.  […]