100+ Vermonters a month die from opioid related fatality
By Paul Bean
First responders in Hartford responded to three overdose cases in the downtown area between Tuesday and Wednesday. Each patient was treated and transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center within a 24-hour period. Their current conditions remain unknown.
VDC reached out to Hartford Fire Department for comment.
“All three, we worked on of them, they were all narcanned, after they left us and went to Dartmouth I don’t know what happened and we couldn’t not share if we did,” said Deputy Fire Chief Czoar.
He told us that having this many overdose cases in a short period of time is unusual.
“For this many in such a short period of time is not common. We do overdoses regularly, maybe weekly. More than one in a day is uncommon. To have three or more in a day and a half means there’s probably a “hot batch” out there,” said Cheif Czoar.
His reference to a “hot batch” implies that it is likely that one of the opioid supplies is laced with another deadly drug.
Chief Scott Cooney outlined for NBC 5 the critical role first responders play in overdose situations.
“When we encounter an unconscious or unresponsive patient, our team follows the standard practices outlined in state EMS protocols, including assessing the airway, breathing, and circulation. Based on that assessment, we determine whether Narcan or another intervention is necessary,” Cooney told NBC 5
Town Health Officer Brett Mayfield emphasized Hartford’s ability to handle overdose incidents and noted the town’s efforts with local partners to ensure individuals receive the necessary treatment
“We have several drug treatment centers here in Hartford,” Mayfield said. “The Haven, for example, not only addresses homelessness and food insecurity but also provides guidance to help individuals access addiction treatment.”While the data in Vermont does indicate a drop in opioid overdose fatality, there are still 100+ opioid related deaths every month. The state Department of Health reports 141 fatal overdoses as of September, a significant decrease from the 244 deaths recorded during the pandemic in 2022.