Austin, Travis County leaders demonstrate how to administer Narcan
Officials from both Austin and Travis County held a news conference to talk about making the overdose reversal drug more widely available in the community. They also showed how to administer it in the event someone needs it.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a recent string of deadly overdoses throughout the city, local leaders held a demonstration Monday morning on how to administer Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan.
Officials from both Austin and Travis County held a news conference to talk about making the overdose reversal drug more widely available in the community. They also showed how to administer it in the event someone needs it.
Speakers at Monday's event included Travis County Judge Andy Brown, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool and others.
Austin-Travis County EMS shared how it's launching a new education campaign called Breathe Now, which aims to train people on how to help someone experiencing an overdose before first responders can arrive.
Part of that training includes showing how simply someone can administer Narcan. It's done by placing the nozzle in someone's nostril and then deploying the red button, which releases the overdose-reversing medicine into their system.
Paramedics said once Narcan is administered, it's best to roll that person onto their side. All of this should be done while also calling 911. First responders reminded people Monday that 911 call takers can also walk someone through how to use Narcan.