The Fresno Fire Department is warning residents about an increase in drug overdose emergencies in the community in recent weeks.

The department said people who may be at risk of an opioid overdose, or who know someone who is, should consider keeping naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, readily available.

Narcan is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking opioids from receptors in the brain. The manufacturer says it can begin reversing an overdose within two to three minutes and is available over the counter.

Fire officials said it is safe, easy to administer, and will not harm someone if opioids are not present in their system.

It can also be obtained for free from Community Regional Medical Center and the Fresno County Department of Public Health.

Anyone who suspects an overdose should immediately call 911, administer Narcan if available, follow instructions from the emergency dispatcher, and remain with the person until help arrives.

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