Fire Commissioner Nigro Announces "Leave Behind" Naloxone Program
August 31, 2018 — More than 3,000 kits ready to be distributed citywide
Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced the launch of the “Leave Behind” Naloxone Program, a strategy included in the expansion of HealingNYC, the citywide plan to combat the opioid epidemic. This new program increases naloxone distribution and training on how to use this lifesaving medication. Yearly, FDNY members treat approximately 5,000 suspected opioid overdose patients.
Starting today, FDNY EMS personnel are trained and equipped to leave a personal naloxone kit with patients revived with naloxone. This kit will be offered to a patient during transport to the hospital, or at a scene of the overdose for patients who refuse further medical attention (RMA). Naloxone kits will also be available to friends and family members, if requested.
“This Leave Behind Naloxone program provides patients and family members with an opportunity to access a naloxone kit during a suspected overdose, potentially preventing an opioid related death,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Providing life-saving treatment, as well as education and instructions to prevent loss of life, is critical to the Department’s sworn mission of providing emergency pre-hospital care.”
“We know that surviving a non-fatal overdose is one of the top risk factors for dying of overdose,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “By leaving behind naloxone with the friends and family of someone who survived an opioid overdose, EMS providers will provide a critical intervention and deliver naloxone to the people who need it most. I thank Commissioner Nigro and his team for adopting this program to save the lives of even more New Yorkers.”
Each naloxone kit is stored within a blue pouch and contains naloxone intra-nasal spray, 4mg/0.1ml (2 doses), rubber gloves, face shield, alcohol wipes, literature about the risk of opioid overdose, recognition and rescue steps, naloxone use instructions, rehabilitation resources, and a blue prescription card.
The Leave Behind program is funded though HealingNYC in coordination with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. FDNY registered as a New York State Department of Health Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (OOPP) in April 2018.
Paramedics in New York City have been carrying and administering naloxone for more than 40 years, including all FDNY Paramedics following the merger of FDNY and EMS in 1996. In 2014, the New York State Department of Health created a special protocol for the FDNY’s EMTs and Firefighters to also carry and administer intranasal naloxone.
Please see photos of the “Leave Behind” Naloxone Kit below.
