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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0013) IR 21-10692 - Citywide Narcvan Usage.Procedures for Administering Narcan.SupplyINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 21-10692 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 12, 2021 Page 1 of 2 i o SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CITYWIDE NARCAN USAGE, PROCEDURES FOR rrA 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 Narcan and management of Narcan supply and 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. All 953 members of 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 Narcan in 2017. At that time, the FWPD purchased Narcan through a vendor at a cost of $41.25 per unit. An additional cost was incurred for a required carrying case that was needed so the doses were not exposed to extreme temperatures. Currently, the cost to purchase is $30.00 per dose and the drug is still stored in a carrying case to extend the shelf life of 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 and the department retains the capability to conduct refreshers 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 euf new recruits before they graduate from the academy. The Police Department prioritizes training to focus on those who are 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 classes will be trained bringing the 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 MEMBERS No. 21-10692 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 12, 2021 Page 2of2 i o SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CITYWIDE NARCAN USAGE, PROCEDURES FOR rrA ADMINISTERING NARCAN, AND NARCAN SUPPLY The Fort Worth Police Department has a great working relationship with MedStar. Medstar has allowed the Department to exchange Narcan doses 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 Narcan at 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 reduced as well as train more officers/civilians in the department. 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.gov or Assistant Chief Robert Alldredge at 817-392-4131 or robert. alldredge(c fortworthtexas. gov. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS