When a dispatcher or a first responder in the field is called for an overdose, they are thrust very suddenly into a situation that can mean life or death.
But once the emotion and the fear of the emergency has cleared away, the two parties often never connect again — unless it is during a later overdose. On Wednesday night , the second annual First Responders Appreciation Dinner was held as a chance to acknowledge the compassion fatigue that plagues first responders and thank them for the lifesaving work they do for people battling addiction in Carroll County.
Two members of the community who are in recovery shared their stories. For both, there were first responders in the audience who saved their lives by administering naloxone, also known as Narcan, which can reverse an opioid overdose.
Lindsey Staymates now spends her time at work and volunteering to help others into long-term recovery.