The Everett Fire and Everett Police Departments are warning the Everett community about a concerning increase in fentanyl overdoses involving young children. Since last Saturday, Everett Fire and Police have responded to three overdoses where children were exposed to fentanyl that was left unsecured in the homes. Sadly, one child has passed away due to this tragic incident.
The first incident was on Saturday, April 20, just after 7:45 am on E Marine View Drive in the Delta Neighborhood. Firefighters were called to the residence after an 11-month-old child was found unresponsive by the parents. Before the arrival of the firefighters, the baby was given Narcan. Firefighters provided medical aid to the child, who was later taken to the hospital for further treatment. The baby is in stable condition and has been released from the hospital.
The second call happened on Wednesday, April 24, just after 11:45am at an apartment building on Broadway in the Port Gardner neighborhood. The call was concerning a six-month-old baby who was experiencing difficulty breathing. Firefighters arrived to find the baby unresponsive and immediately administered medical care, including administration of Narcan. The baby is currently at Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
On Wednesday, April 24, 911 received a call about a 13-month-old baby who wasn’t breathing. The call came from an apartment located in the Westmont neighborhood off of W Casino Road at around 1:30 p.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene and immediately began life-saving measures. The child was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center. However, despite their best efforts, the child passed away. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct a positive identification of the child, as well as determine the official cause and manner of death.
Because the Everett Police Department is actively investigating all three cases, more specific information is not being released at this time. Everett Police does not believe the cases are connected.
The City of Everett is deeply concerned about the increasing fentanyl overdoses that involve young children. Even a small amount of fentanyl residue can be lethal to children, as the drug can be more potent to a baby or toddler’s smaller body and lack of opioid tolerance. Pills can look like candy to children, especially when they’re brightly colored.
Taking Action in an Opioid Overdose:
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:
- Check for signs of overdose.
- Call 911
- Give Naloxone (Narcan®) and start rescue breathing.
- Stay with them.
- Naloxone
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.
April 25, 2024
Everett Fire, Police Blotter