Chandler Fire Department launches opioid response unit

PHOENIX — The Chandler Fire Department is taking new steps to cut down on opioid overdoses within the city.

It’s forming a new Crisis Intervention Opioid Response Unit, which consists of trained crisis response professionals.

How will new unit fight opioid overdoses in Chandler?

The new unit will offer intervention services, like life-saving treatments, educational resources and emotional support, to people experiencing overdoses.

Another one of their main functions will be to provide Narcan, also known as naloxone. This medication can restore a person’s breathing and reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

It will distribute Narcan nasal spray to community members, including people who are seen as at risk of overdoses.

Officials hope this will help cut down on number of opioid overdoses in Chandler

The new unit will work with other local agencies and hospitals to reduce deaths related to overdoses. Officials hope to empower family members and friends of those struggling with substance use disorder.

The Crisis Intervention Opioid Response unit, which officials also referred to as CR2840, will also provide knowledge and tools people can use to act quickly when witnessing an overdose.

Crisis response professionals with this new unit will be dispatched to 911 calls related to opioid overdoses. In addition to providing Narcan, they’ll also teach the community about preventing overdoses, signs to look for and why it’s so important to intervene early.

Yasmin Barker, senior crisis interventionist for the Chandler Fire Department, said members of the unit will also share Narcan with friends and family to ensure people can be prepared in times of need.

“Our mission is to offer more than just an emergency response. We are committed to helping individuals in crisis navigate the path to recovery,” Barker said in a Monday news release. “By equipping the community with Narcan and providing immediate support, we are taking an important step to reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic in Chandler.”

Related

Mesa launching $1M grant program to battle opioid epidemicAZED task force places more than 4,000 Narcan kits in schoolsOver 1,800 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl seized in Phoenix drug bustMCSO investigating drug smuggling at Estrella Jail after inmate dies of overdoseConstruction begins on $20.1M medical office condominium development in Queen CreekDeveloper announces completion of Nexus Commerce Center industrial park in Tempe