AMR data shows Nashua on track for record number of deadly overdoses this year
The five suspected opioid-related deaths in Nashua during March was 'significantly higher' than the rolling 12-month average of two. Thirty-one percent of overdoses in Nashua last month proved fatal, after six suspected opioid related deaths occurred in February.
The number of overdoses overall in Manchester and Nashua continues to trend 'significantly lower,' Chris Stawasz, regional director of American Medical Response (AMR), said in a statement.
There were 49 suspected overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in March, 14% below the 12-month rolling average, according to data shared by AMR. Thirty-three of those occurred in Manchester, 16 in Nashua.
The decrease is mainly attributed to the increased availability of Narcan in New Hampshire, which can reverse the effects of some opioids.
Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais thanked local health officials and first responders, saying the Queen City continues to be on track to reduce overdoses and fatalities at a faster rate than local and national trends.
'If these results continue, Manchester is on pace to realize the lowest numbers in suspected overdoses and deaths since the beginning of the opioid epidemic more than 10 years ago,' Ruais said. 'We're saving lives, and getting people in need help.'
Manchester Public Health Director Anna Thomas said she's grateful for the Centers for Disease Control's expertise in putting the city 'on the right path toward this end.'
'All life is precious and every one saved is worth fighting for,' Thomas said.
Thomas also thanked Manchester Director of Overdose Prevention Andrew Warner, the city's Rapid Overdose Assessment and Response Team, the Manchester Police Department and American Medical Response for 'their tireless commitment and dedication to achieving such positive outcomes on a daily basis.'
'Keep in mind that due to the nature of the opioid epidemic and its clear history of unpredictability, it is always possible that the trend of lower numbers could quickly change,' Stawasz said. 'It is common to see different varieties of illicit poly substances appear without warning. Many can be highly lethal or require alternative approaches for successful lifesaving treatment.'
Stawasz said in the most recent update from the state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, xylazine and carfentanil were reported to be both 'present and contributory' in over a dozen drug deaths in New Hampshire last year.
'Increasingly now mixed with illicit fentanyl, xylazine's powerful sedative properties complicate EMS providers treatment of suspected opioid overdoses,' Stawasz said. 'It is undetectable to medics and Narcan does not reverse its effect. When present, it requires a significant additional and prolonged effort to maintain an effective airway and respiratory status on a victim.'
According to AMR, of the 49 suspected opioid overdoses reported in March in both Manchester and Nashua, 35% occurred in a home or residence, 35% happened in a public building or area and 16% were in vehicles or in a roadway. Four percent were in a jail or prison. Four percent occurred in a hotel or motel.
In 31% of the overdoses, a bystander or member of the public administered Narcan before EMS personnel arrived.
Overall, 65% of those involved in suspected opioid overdoses gave no fixed address or said they were homeless.
In New Hampshire, anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the N.H. Doorway program 24/7. To access the N.H. Doorway program, call 211 at any time of the day or night, or visit www.thedoorway.nh.gov.
If you believe someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
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