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INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERSNo. 21-10692
October 12, 2021
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1of 2
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CITYWIDE NARCAN USAGE, PROCEDURES FOR
ADMINISTERING NARCAN, AND NARCAN SUPPLY
The purpose of this Informal Report is to respond to a request for information on city wide usage of Narcan
by the Fire and Police Departments,including information on procedures to administer Narcanand
management of Narcan supplyand inventory.
Fire Department
Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used for the complete or partial reversal of opioid overdose,
specifically respiratory depression.This medication is used in conjunction with assisted ventilation and
oxygenation to reduce risks of cardiac arrest from hypoxia.
All953 membersof the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) are trained to administer this medication and
manage the complications from opiate overdose. The FWFD and Medstar carry this medication to reverse
the effects of suspected opiate drug overdose. It is also offered to high-risk patients and family members of
those with opiate addiction issues by private providers.
Naloxone is a resuscitation drug. Once the patient is medically cleared after overdose the focus is then on
treatment and recovery. The city of Fort Worth partners with MHMR Tarrant County and the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide alternatives for those seeking
addiction specialty services and treatment options.
On occasion, the medication has been on back-order due to supply and demand. However,at the present
time,there is no issue with obtaining Naloxone. It is administered an average of two times a day in Fort
Worth.
Police Department
The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) started supplying Tactical Medic officers with Narcanin 2017.
At that time, the FWPDpurchasedNarcanthrough a vendor at a cost of $41.25 per unit. An additional cost
was incurred for arequired carrying case that was needed so the doses werenot exposed to extreme
temperatures. Currently, the cost to purchase is $30.00 per dose andthe drug is still storedin a carrying
case to extend the shelf lifeof the product.
Currently, there are approximately 300 personnel (sworn and civilian) that are trained to administer Narcan.
Training involves a one-time two-hour class andthe department retains thecapability toconductrefreshers
classes as needed. Tac Medics provide training each year (multiple times if needed) to any officer or
civilian wanting to carry Narcan. Additionally, this class is now being taught to ournew recruits before
they graduate from the academy. The Police Department prioritizes training to focus on those whoare most
likely to be exposed or come in contact with an opioid overdose such as SWAT, Narcotics, Vice, CTU,
Directed Response, K-9, and the Property Room. In the near future, the Gang Unit and the two current
academy classeswill be trainedbringingthe total number of trained staff, both officers and civilians, to
approximately 450.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERSNo. 21-10692
October 12, 2021
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2of 2
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CITYWIDE NARCAN USAGE, PROCEDURES FOR
ADMINISTERING NARCAN, AND NARCAN SUPPLY
The Fort Worth Police Department has a great working relationship with MedStar. Medstar has allowedthe
Department to exchange Narcandoses for ones that are nearing expiration. Additionally, when officers in
the field use a dose of Narcan,MedStar personnel will replenish the used dose. Unfortunately, MedStar
does not have the capability to fulfill large quantities of Narcanat one time. Therefore, the city has to
purchase large orders through a vendor.
Moving forward,the FWPD will research other options with our private partners to see if the cost per dose
can reducedas well as train more officers/civiliansin thedepartment.Although the program is currently
voluntary for our personnel, our goals is to train and provide Narcan to as many officers/civilians within the
Fort Worth Police Department as possible.
If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Fire Chief Jim Davis, at 817-392-
6801 or jim.davis@fortworthtexas.govor Assistant Chief Robert Alldredge at 817-392-4131 or
robert.alldredge@fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS