Akron-Canton Airport in Green, Ohio, has expanded its in-terminal emergency kits to include Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
The treatment is contained in NaloxBox units, which have been installed on both the public and secure sides of the airport, alongside seven existing automated external defibrillators. The boxes, which also contain gloves and a mask, are alarmed so that trained staff can tell if they’ve been opened – they can, however, be accessed by individuals during an emergency. The installation is the result of a collaboration between the airport, the City of Green, charity Cover2 Resources, the Summit County Health Department, and Project DAWN, a community-based anti-overdose initiative.
“We are aware of the growing epidemic and feel responsible as a public facility to be equipped to handle such an incident,” said Ren Camacho, president and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport. “If we save just one life, it’s well worth the investment.”
Key airport staff, tenants and first responders have been trained in recognizing the signs of an overdose and administering Narcan nasal spray. In the event of an overdose within the terminal or parking lot, Narcan nasal spray will grant extra time for City of Green paramedics to arrive, increasing the victim’s chances of survival.
The airport was approached by the Mayor of Green and the City of Green Drug Task Force regarding an effort throughout the city to install Narcan in publicly accessed areas.
“We agreed to learn more about the pros and cons of having the units here at the airport, and the pros far outweigh the cons,” said Camacho. “We believe there is a need to provide these kits in public areas. We have received three kits from the City of Green Drug Task Force effort and have invested in four kits on our own.”
The City of Green Fire Department will monitor the use and expiration of the Narcan nasal spray and refill or replace when necessary.