Arlington Police, Fire Departments Respond to Three Overdose Cases over Labor Day Weekend

ARLINGTON, MA — First responders in Arlington revived three overdose victims over the holiday weekend, according to Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan.

Ryan reported that from Thursday to Sunday, the police department responded to three overdoses this weekend. Two victims were saved by the use of Narcan, and one was revived at a nearby hospital.

Ryan also added that while the amount of overdose cases has increased from 19 to 30 as of Sept. 8 in 2016, the number of overdose deaths has decreased from six to two in 2016.

"Two deaths are still too many, but I am extremely proud of the work being done by the Arlington Police Department, Arlington Fire Department and community members who have taken an active step in decreasing opioid overdoses by equipping themselves with Narcan," Ryan added. "Treatment works, and Narcan gives families and first responders another chance to help someone take back their life."

According to the announcement, Firefighters revived a 46-year-old man who overdosed on heroin on Sept. 1. Police responded to second case on Sept. 3, in which a 32-year-old man was revived by a loved one who administered Narcan. The third overdose victim was revived at an area hospital.

The announcement indicated that distribution of nasal Naloxone, or Narcan, and education on its administration and usage, is a core component of the Arlington Outreach Initiative, a police-led addiction and recovery program that seeks to help those suffering from substance use disorders