Ghanbari, Wood County first responders, announce launch of new Naloxone training

BOWLING GREEN – State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg), along with the Wood County Health Department and first responders, announced the launch of a lifesaving training Thursday. 

The training is designed to teach tow truck drivers, and other non-traditional first responders who might be first to the scene of a call for service, how to properly administer naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan. 

“Incidents have occurred here in Ohio, and across the country, where our first responders have been exposed to illicit drugs that subsequently required the use of naloxone," Ghanbari said. "Our tow truck drivers, and others not usually equipped or trained on the use of naloxone, work side by side with our police, fire and EMS personnel, so this training is vital to them as well.”

In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health’s project DAWN, participants will also learn how an overdose occurs and how to recognize the signs of overdose. All participants receive Narcan at no cost, provided through the Health Department and Project DAWN. 

“As a health department, this is part of what we do. It is our job to bring community partners together to identify risks and their root causes. As long as substance use disorder exists, there is a risk to our first responders as well. This initiative can help mitigate that risk,” said Benjamin Robison, Wood County Health Commissioner.

In addition, Wood County Health Department is prepared to support other counties across Ohio who seek to implement this program.

“At the Wood County ADAMHS Board, we are so pleased to be part of an initiative that can help wrap support around our first responders as they go out every day and meet the needs of our community. Naloxone saves lives and also becomes that bridge to recovery,” said Amanda Kern, Executive Director, Wood County ADAMHS Board.

“Every layer of protection we can add for our first responders is critical,” said Wood County EMA Director Jeff Klein. “By educating more people, Wood County is building a stronger, more prepared community that can combat the opioid crisis head-on.” 

Wood County Sheriff Office Chief Deputy Rod Konrad, Ohio State Highway Patrol Staff Lieutenant Scott Wyckhouse, Perrysburg Township Police Lieutenant Jason Gladney, and Assistant Bowling Green Fire Chief Luke Ward were also in attendance Thursday.