Children at overdose scenes make it tough for first responders

DAYTON, Ohio — Dayton, Ohio, firefighter/paramedics say they responded to 32 overdoses from Saturday to Sunday -- three times as many ODs this past weekend as the same weekend period a year ago.

And they say their task is made more complicated when children are witnesses to the aftermath of overdoses.

"I think it's starting to get worse, honestly," Dayton resident Aaron Gibbons told News Center 7's Kate Bartley on Monday.

Bryan Adams, Dayton Fire Department public information officer, said, "obviously it takes an emotional toll any time you deal with families. I think it becomes even more complicated when you're trying to explain a situation or deal with children who don't understand the cause."

Incidents where there are two or more overdose victims are becoming more commonplace, he said.

Adams said the situation becomes troublesome when it's over and over and over.

"So when you think of the 32 we've had over a two-day period this past weekend, that takes a toll on the first responders who are going out to these calls as well," Adams said.

Cox Media Group