First responders use overdose-reversing drug to save lives

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — As overdose deaths from heroin continue to rise in metro Atlanta, emergency first responders are stepping up the use of a medication that can reverse the effect of a drug overdose and save lives.

The medication is called Naloxone, which often is sold under the name Narcan. When administered, it counters the effects of an opiate overdose, including the depressive effects on the central nervous system, which slows breathing and heart rate.

“I've had some where they have had no pulse, not breathing. We had to do CPR and give the medication. They start to wake up," said Cherokee County Paramedic Sgt. Waylon White

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White told Channel 2's Tom Regan that county emergency personnel treat an average of five heroin overdose patients each week. The typical age is a male in his mid-20s.

White said Naxolone is usually administered through a nasal vapor. It is absorbed through the mucus membranes, and goes into the blood stream. It doesn't make it into the lungs.

After receiving the medication, the patient usually responds within the first minute or two. White says the change is remarkable.

"I’m telling them, 'You were not able to speak with me two minutes ago, and now you're able to get up and talk to me about what's going on.’ Usually they're grateful for what we've done," said White.

Last week, drug agents arrested two men on heroin trafficking charges. County drug enforcement officials say since January, they've seized over $8,400 in heroin compared to $11,000 in heroin in all of last year.

County officials say while lives have been saved, at least ten people have died from heroin overdoses so far this year. White said he's responded to several fatal overdoses and said most difficult part is trying to comfort the family.

"It’s more upsetting in seeing the family around them and what they're going through. Those are the ones who hurt the most. Not the deceased, the ones left behind," White said.

WSBTV