The Florida transit agency is expanding accessibility to Narcan in order to counteract opioid overdoses.
Since 2018, the number of accidental opioid overdose deaths in Pinellas County, Florida, has been on a consistent rise.
Narcan kits have been installed at the four bus terminals of a transit agency in Florida, and its employees are being trained on how to use the nasal spray to reverse opioid overdoses.
PSTA is the first transit agency in Florida to provide Narcan training to its staff and has installed a Narcan kit at its headquarters.
"Eddie Kester, PSTA safety, security, and training supervisor, stated that they transport a large number of people daily and have observed instances where individuals become unresponsive. This could be due to a pre-existing medical condition or something else. As a result, they want to ensure they have the necessary tools to handle such situations."
"Kester stated, "We are aware of the challenge we face, as we strive to assist those in need around Pinellas through our efforts.""
Since 2018, the number of accidental opioid overdose deaths in Pinellas County, Florida, has been on the rise, as per data from the Pinellas County Opioid Task Force.
A retired lieutenant from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Dan Zsido, has spent 40 years in law enforcement, primarily focusing on narcotics investigations. Currently, he is working to train hundreds of PSTA employees on how to use the new Narcan kits.
The tiny device with a small amount of fluid can mean the difference between life and death, as Zsido told Fox 13, referring to the Narcan nasal spray.
""It could be any of these drugs: heroin, prescription medication, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, or street drugs like fentanyl," Zsido stated regarding the drugs that can cause overdoses and can be reversed with Narcan."
PSTA staff have exclusive access to Narcan kits, which were installed in designated locations in preparation for International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
The bus terminals now have life-saving resources available in case of emergency, and PSTA is informing the public about it.
"Perhaps we could serve as a model for other counties," Zsido remarked. "However, what truly matters is that we can now progress and save more lives."
Officials expressed their desire to equip all buses with Narcan kits in the future.
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