Everett Fire Says Opioid Use May Have Contributed To Man Setting Himself On Fire

This in today from the fire department in Everett, Washington.

Early Friday Morning, Everett Fire was called to a motel in the 10000 block of Evergreen Way for a report of a smoke alarm sounding and the smell of smoke coming from one of the rooms.

Fire crews arrived to find an unconscious male in the room with his clothes on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remainder of the fire on the clothes and patient.
Paramedics treated the patient, a 31-year-old male, for second and third-degree burns to his torso, arms, and neck and transported him to Harborview Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized. It is suspected that the use of fentanyl or opiate use may be a contributing factor in this incident.

The misuse of opioids and fentanyl is a growing concern in Washington State and across the United States. It is important to note that overdoses can occur intentionally or accidentally, even if it’s the first time taking a drug, whether it’s illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter. Minutes count in an opioid overdose. If you think someone has overdosed, follow these steps:
1. Check for signs of overdose.
2. Call 911
3. Give Naloxone (Narcan®) and start rescue breathing.
4. Stay with them.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, can reverse the effects of opioids and save lives during an overdose. Having the medication with you can save a life.
Naloxone can be purchased without a prescription from various pharmacies in Snohomish County and throughout Washington State. The antidote kits cost about $150 and may be eligible for insurance coverage. If you have Apple Health (WA Medicaid) there’s no copay. You can find free naloxone near you by visiting stopoverdose.org.

Fortunately, Washington State offers a range of resources to support service providers, families, and young people in their efforts to combat fentanyl and opioid use, as well as the risk of overdose. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, here are some resources:
• Washington Recovery Helpline (24hr crisis help & referral) warecoveryhelpline.org , 1-866-789-1511
• North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization – https://nsbhaso.org/ , 1-800-584-3578
• StopOverDose.org
• Snohomish Overdose Prevention https://snohomishoverdoseprevention.com/