Austin, Texas, experienced a concerning spike in opioid overdoses on Tuesday, with more than 30 cases reported, resulting in four fatalities and multiple individuals being saved with Narcan, as per officials.
The sudden surge in opioid-related overdose calls began around 9 a.m., prompting a swift response from Austin-Travis County EMS personnel. A rapid response team, comprising Austin-Travis County EMS and other units, was dispatched to downtown Austin following a series of distress calls in the area.
Upon arrival, the team swiftly distributed over 200 Narcan rescue kits to combat the overdose effects and administered life-saving interventions to those affected by opioid overdoses. Dr. Heidi Abraham, Austin's Chief Deputy Medical Director, highlighted the severity of the situation during a press conference, noting the unusually high fatality rate and the unprecedented volume of overdoses.
On a typical day, emergency responders in Austin handle between two to three overdose cases. However, the surge on Tuesday saw a significant increase, with over 30 overdose calls received, a number that continues to rise as the situation unfolds.
While the specific drugs involved in the overdoses remain undisclosed, patients reported using various substances before overdosing. The incidents are not confined to a specific area in Austin, with reports emerging from downtown locations as well as residential and commercial spaces.
Officials hinted at a potential influx of a 'new batch' of drugs into the city, likely from the same sources. They cautioned against using unknown substances and advised individuals to exercise caution, start with low doses, avoid using alone, and have a friend equipped with Narcan and the ability to call 911 nearby.
The Austin Police Department played a crucial role in administering Narcan at the scene of many overdoses, contributing significantly to saving lives amidst this alarming surge.
