Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls' Bravest will be taking an extra step to battle the area's growing drug epidemic.
The Regional Medical Authority has approved Fire Rescue workers to carry Narcan, a drug that works to counter the effects of an opioid overdose.
Fire Rescue spokesman Steve Fessler says it makes sense for his team to carry doses of the drug because in many cases they are the first ones on the scene. "It's just an additional tool for us to have [so we can] save time and assist on these overdose calls." He adds that Sioux Falls Firefighters are trained as first responders to assist victims by checking the ABC's of airway, breathing, and circulation and providing CPR or rescue breathing if needed.
The Narcan doses will be carried on all front-line trucks. It can be administered as an injection, but Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will be using the nasal spray version of the drug.