Audio postcard: First responders save man who has overdosed on heroin
Susquehanna Township EMS Captain Dan Tempel collects information from a man who he just revived from a drug overdose. (Brett Sholtis/Transforming Health)
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As the opioid epidemic rages, first responders are on the front lines, dealing with overdose victims.
In Dauphin County, Susquehanna Township EMS crews — like others across the region — are increasingly relying on the anti-overdose drug naloxone to revive people.
This audio is from a ride-along with EMS Captain Dan Tempel during a recent evening shift. When the call came in, Tempel and his crew rushed across town to save a man in Harrisburg who overdosed.
The main voice you hear is from Captain Tempel.
As a note to listeners, some of the sounds contained in this story may be disturbing.
Like many EMS stations, Susquehanna Township has to buy its own naloxone. Director Matt Baily says his station’s costs have increased as more naloxone is required to revive people as synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become more common. The station can bill the patient, but it rarely sees that money. (Brett Sholtis/Transforming Health)
