Eight people are dead following a 27-hour-long opioid overdose outbreak in downtown Austin, Austin-Travis County EMS said.
The suspected deaths were part of a total of 51 overdose calls reported from Monday morning into Tuesday."We've lost mothers, fathers, sons and daughters," said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Medical Director/Health Authority for Austin Travis County.According to Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Keith Pinckard, four of those deaths have been deemed overdoses. The other four are still under investigation but are confirmed to be suspicious.
reported there were 51 overdose calls made starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 29 and stretching into Tuesday morning. For comparison, officials say they normally respond to about 2-3 overdose calls in a day."That is well over a 1,000% increase," said Assistant Chief Steve White, with Austin-Travis County EMS.Officials say the victims of this overdose outbreak ranged in age from 20–50 years old and added that some were homeless.Police say it was the quick use of on-hand narcan that saved lives.
is asking members of the public to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of an overdose and call 9-1-1 immediately if they see someone who appears to be overdosing. Those who choose to use any substances should always have a designated sober person with Narcan available to assist.Overdose symptoms:
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