In addition to widely distributing Narcan, a fast-acting medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, the City of Austin has been strongly encouraging residents to call 9-1-1 immediately if they believe someone is overdosing. People are taking the warning seriously.
Given the spike in drug overdose deaths in Austin over the last decade, it’s not surprising that there’s been a stark rise in overdose-related 9-1-1 calls. Data from death certificates issued by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office shows that drug overdose deaths in the area went from 261 in 2020 to 417 in 2022. According to Austin public health data, 2023 has been even worse for overdose deaths involving multiple drugs. During 2023 there were 493 fatal overdoses, many of which were opioid involved overdose deaths.
As the rate of overdoses has increased so have the calls that emergency medical personnel receive. Here’s a closer look at what’s behind the trends in Austin.
The Week That Austin Had 1000% Increase in Overdose 9-1-1 Calls
At the end of April 2024 Austin’s emergency medical services were put to the ultimate test. In a matter of three days Austin EMS crews received 73 calls regarding overdoses. In an interview with NBC news, Austin EMT Randy Chabra explained that typically call centers only receive 3-5 overdose calls in a day at most.
The dramatic increase in overdoses and emergency calls was attributed to synthetic opioids, most notably fentanyl. Officials noted that were a variety of drugs involved with the nine drug overdose deaths during this period. Eight of the nine who died had cocaine and fentanyl in their systems, suggesting that the individuals ingested cocaine that had been unknowingly laced with the powerful opioid.
In response to the spike in overdose emergency calls, Austin paramedics handed out over 400 Narcan kits to curb the death toll. It’s believed that the distribution of Narcan prior to and during the event saved dozens of lives.
Officials are concerned that what happened in April 2024 could happen again as more people who abuse prescription opioids move on to taking fentanyl and more substances are laced with it. While the call centers can answer the dramatic increase in 9-1-1 calls regarding drug abuse and overdoses, the fear is if a similar event happens again there might not be enough EMTs to respond in time.
Latest Data on Overdose Medical Emergency Calls in Austin
The Austin Public Health Opioid Overdose Dashboard is an online resource that tracks overdose emergency medical service (EMS) calls as well as overdose emergency department (ED) visits. As of December 11, 2024 there were 1,058 calls regarding drug overdoses. In that time there has also been 831 drug overdose emergency department visits.
To put this in perspective, the dashboard includes statistics for 2022, which shows there were 330 nonfatal overdose hospitalizations that year.
Not surprisingly, when the data is broken down by month, April of 2024 had the highest number of overdose EMS calls with 131 total. November had the least amount with 53 overdose EMS calls.
Data From the Texas Poison Center Network for Opioid Overdoses 9-1-1 Calls in Travis County
The Texas Poison Center Network is another source of data for overdose emergency medical calls. The data displayed is specific to opioid overdoses involving prescription drugs, non prescribed drugs, semi synthetic opioids and synthetic opioids.
Looking at the statewide data every year from 2004 to 2023, prescription drug overdose accounted for most of the calls to the Texas Poison Center Network. Of the 3,741 calls in 2023 regarding opioid overdose, 2,568 calls involved prescription drugs. There were also 1,000 calls for synthetic opioids and 106 calls about heroin overdoses.
When we look at the county data, Travis County had a low rate of calls per 1,000 people in 2022 (the latest year for data), however it had one of the highest number of calls. There were a total of 181 calls for all opioids.
Knowing When to Call 9-1-1 for a Drug Overdose
The City of Austin has gone to great lengths to inform the public about calling in reports of an overdose in order to save lives. Better awareness is one of the more positive reasons why there’s been an increase in 9-1-1 calls that prevent overdose deaths.
Austin’s Preventing Opioid Overdose program encourages locals to call 9-1-1 to report a possible overdose if a person exhibits the following symptoms:
- Irregular breathing
- Breathing slows or stops
- Slow heart rate
- Pinpoint pupils
- Skin turning pale, blue or purple
- Body going limp
- Inability to remain conscious or awaken
- Inability to speak
- Vomiting
You should call 9-1-1 if you see any of these overdose signs even if you aren’t sure if drug use occurred. When appropriate, dispatchers can walk a caller through administering first aid until medics arrive. If Narcan is administered to reverse the effects of an overdose 9-1-1 should still be called so that the individual can get medical attention and be evaluated for potential related risk factors.
As more data is collected by local Austin organizations and shared with national resources like the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program we are gaining more insight into overdose deaths and prevention measures that can be taken. In the meantime, Austin is remaining vigilant and preparing so that no overdose emergency call goes unanswered.
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use and worried about the possibility of an overdose it’s important to seek help immediately. The risk of overdose depends on the type of drug that is taken, however, even regular users can ingest a toxic amount without realizing it.
Any Length Retreat is a supportive resource for any person experiencing drug addiction. We can be contacted at any time to provide assistance.
