Dispatchers, hearing desperate cries for help, have been sending EMS crews to communities across New York state in response to another growing trend of concentrated spikes in fatal drug overdoses.

Of late, drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine mixed with a more potent and deadly supply of fentanyl, have been the problem.

What You Need To Know

  • New York state is seeing another spike in drug overdose deaths

  • The city of Jamestown saw a handful of deaths recently over the course of a weekend

  • Lawmakers in Albany looking out for the health and well-being of first responders

"Just small amounts can be fatal. So, it's troubling because not only does it impact the individuals who are overdosing, but their families as well as the first responders that are going to those calls," said Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone.

One state lawmaker is proposing legislation that would make it a felony to expose fentanyl to first responders, as was the case recently when a police officer was exposed to the airborne substance after a baggie ripped open during an arrest.

This is all in response to a growing upward trends across the state. More than 3,400 reported fatal overdoses were reported between May 2022 and May 2023.

"We're seeing this happen every day across New York state in all kinds of communities, to all kinds of folks," said Steven Kilburn, grant projects director of the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene.

A new heat map indicates the state's hot spots of the most concentrated non-fatal overdoses, as the Office of Addiction Services and Supports ensures every community offer a number of life-saving resources. Resources like naloxone have proven effective in reversing an overdose.

"It doesn't treat addiction, but it does keep somebody alive," said Kilburn. "It would be appropriate for anybody to have [naloxone] on hand certainly if they know someone, live with someone, perhaps are someone who uses street drugs. It is potentially the difference between life and death."

Naloxone is especially important until dispatch can radio out for help, which is why those who overdose and live to tell about it are encouraging others to use their community resources.

"Getting people to connect and utilize them has always been the challenge. [We] want to see them survive and thrive in the communities that they live in," said Sheriff Quattrone.

There are state and local resources for those who want help. Help is available at 1-800-662-4357.