Narcan Leave Behind Program

Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services is proud to continue the Narcan Leave Behind Program. This program provides Narcan Kits to those At-Risk individuals, an involved bystander, or family that are At-Risk of opioid related overdose. Narcan is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose.

Narcan Kits: The kits can be requested by emailing Steven Cohen at [email protected]

Training: Whatcom County EMS is available to train individuals, organizations or provide training resources. Contact Steven Cohen, EMS Training Specialist, at 360-820-6157 or [email protected]

Legal: If you are worried about being sued or arrested in relation to using Narcan, Washington State has laws to protect you.

RCW 4.24.300 Immunity from liability for certain types of medical care (general public)

RCW 69.41.095 “Naloxone Law” – distribution, possession, and administration of naloxone among laypersons, first responder/law enforcement immunity

RCW 69.50.315 “Good Samaritan Overdose Law” – immunity from drug possession prosecution in drug-related overdoses

Opioid Impacts on the EMS System (2021):

  • 883 calls involved drug overdose/drug ingestion during 2021
  • Whatcom County sees an average of 3 to 4 Overdose (all types) calls per day however increases to as much as 11 Overdose calls per day occur with some frequency 
Steve Cohen and Paramedic Captain Martin holding the Narcan Leave Behind kits

Steve Cohen and Paramedic Captain Martin holding a Narcan Leave Behind Kit