Pharmacy resident takes swift action to save overdose victim on train
By Jacob Held, Pharmacist
On a Friday morning last month Karyssa Hurd, a Psychiatric Pharmacy Resident at the Minneapolis VA, demonstrated quick thinking and exemplary professionalism while on her commute to work.
As Hurd rode the light rail, she noticed a fellow passenger lying unresponsive on the floor, with a concerned friend attempting to wake him. Drawing from her extensive experience in public health and in working with people with substance use disorders, Hurd had made the personal choice to always carry naloxone with her—a crucial decision that proved to be life-saving that morning. Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) temporarily reverses an opioid overdose to help a person start breathing again and allow emergency help to arrive.
After confirming with the friend that the unresponsive passenger was experiencing a suspected opioid overdose, Hurd swiftly retrieved naloxone from her backpack and handed it to the friend. She ensured that the friend knew how to administer the life-saving drug. Upon doing so, the unresponsive passenger regained consciousness.
Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, Hurd offered to accompany the pair off the train to the VA's Emergency Department. She knew the facility could provide immediate stabilization and triage, even for non-veterans in emergent scenarios. Though the individual declined the offer, indicating familiarity with the situation from past experiences, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for Hurd’s help.
Karyssa Hurd's rapid response illustrates the importance of opioid overdose education, naloxone distribution and the difference it can make in saving lives.
Drug overdoses remain a leading cause of death—most of these deaths involve opioids. The Minneapolis VA has been nationally recognized for its innovative strategies to increase Veteran access to naloxone. Naloxone is available as a nasal spray and is free of charge to all Veterans. Veterans can receive naloxone at the Minneapolis VA Medical center Outpatient Pharmacy, the Community Resource and Referral Center in Minneapolis, and the Mobile Medical Unit. Veterans can also receive a kit by asking their provider at an appointment or using the My HealtheVet to contact Triage Group: MSP Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education. Additional VA resources can be found at the Substance Use Harm Reduction web page.
Staff interested in obtaining naloxone can access kits through numerous community programs, including the Minnesota Department of Health and Know the Dangers. Each act of prevention—whether by carrying naloxone, learning the signs of an overdose, or starting a conversation about opioid safety, helps build a stronger, more informed and compassionate communities.