City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2018
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of an Application for the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant Program for Nasal Naloxone.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) grant program through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) for nasal naloxone.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the submission of a no cost grant application to the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services for nasal naloxone (Narcan); and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) is a statewide grant program assistance for Virginia governmental, volunteer and non-profit Emergency Medical Services (EMS) that provides agencies and organizations through OEMS. The primary goal of this program is to assist governmental, volunteer and non-profit EMS agencies with acquiring EMS equipment and to help provide needed EMS programs and projects.
DISCUSSION: The Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services has authorized Nasal Naloxone (Narcan) which is a drug used in opioid overdose cases and is allowing Virginia localities to apply to receive this drug for rescue purposes. In receiving this grant, the Fire Department will have the capacity to deploy Narcan to our non-transport Basic Life Support (BLS) engine and truck units. Currently only the transport medic units carry Narcan. This expansion of Narcan availability will enable BLS providers the ability to administer Narcan to patients suspected of having an overdose associated with narcotic/opioid use. The use of this medication is already within their scope of practice and they have been trained on how to use the medication.
FISCAL IMPACT: This a no-cost grant opportunity for licensed EMS agencies to receive Narcan from the State. This is at zero cost as the Department will receive the nasal naloxone directly, rather than purchasing it and subsequently requesting reimbursement. There also is no cash-match, and no ongoing costs to the Department.
STAFF:
Debra R. Collins, Deputy City Manager
Robert Dubé, Fire Chief