PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
October 9, 2014

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Commissioner O’Dowd to Discuss EMT Narcan Use for Drug Overdose Patients

New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd will discuss the success of the use of Narcan, a medication used to treat drug overdose patients in emergency situations, with EMTs and paramedics from the Brick Police Department Emergency Medical Services on Friday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Brick Municipal Building, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick.

A year ago, Commissioner O'Dowd signed a waiver that allowed New Jersey's nearly 30,000 certified EMTs and paramedics to carry and administer Narcan, a nasal-spray medication, as a live-saving measure that can be used by first responders.

"Every minute counts in an overdose situation so having first responders carry and administer Narcan can mean the difference between life and death," said Commissioner O'Dowd.

Commissioner O'Dowd will discuss the success of the waiver program in an informal roundtable that will include Brick Mayor John Ducey, Brick Police Chief Nils R. Bergquist along with a dozen members of the EMS unit. 

 **************************************************************************

What: A roundtable discussion with New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd and Brick EMS members on the success of the use Narcan to treat overdose patients in emergency situations.

Where: Brick Township Municipal Building, 401 Chambersbridge Road, Brick

When: Friday, October 10, 2014, 1 p.m.

Who:  New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd, Brick Mayor John Ducey, Police Chief Nils R. Bergquist, Brick EMS members.

 ###

Last Reviewed: 10/9/2014