Associated Press Published

First Responders Split Over Giving Drug to Overdose Victims

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First responders have mixed views about a new state law that allows them to administer overdose-reversal medicine.

The Access to Opioid Antagonists Act was passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. It will make the medicine naloxone more readily available.

Known by the brand name Narcan, naloxone can save people who have overdosed on heroin, prescription drugs or other opioids.

A Tomblin spokesman says the legislation is the governor’s latest approach to curb drug abuse in the state.

Steve McIntire is assistant chief of operations for Harrison County EMS. He said he supports the intent of the bill, but said the devil is in the details.