Pilot Demonstration program will study the administration of opiate antagonist by certified basic emergency medical technicians
 
(Hauppauge, NY) Suffolk County Executive Bellone, Legislator Hahn and Health Services Commissioner James Tomarken will announce Monday the launch of the Department of Health Services’ Regional EMS Opioid Overdose Prevention Project, a two-year New York State demonstration program that will study the effectiveness of the administration of Naloxone to opioid overdose patients by certified basic emergency medical technicians.
 
Naloxone, more recognized by its trade name, Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that is given to patients with opioid overdose to reverse the effects of the opioid. Patients respond quickly to this medication, and there are minimal side effects or contraindications to its use. Narcan has been proven to be both safe and effective.
 
Once the pilot demonstration project is complete, it is expected that basic EMTs will be administering Narcan to patients with a needleless atomizer though the nose.
 
Bellone, Legislator Hahn and Dr. Tomarken will be joined by the Suffolk County Director of Emergency Medical Services Bob Delagi who will provide a demonstration on administering Narcan.