Pinellas Transit Agency Equips Terminals and Staff with Lifesaving Narcan Kits

In a proactive move to combat the rising opioid overdose crisis, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has become the first transit agency in Florida to install Narcan kits at its bus terminals and train employees on their use.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), a public transportation provider in Pinellas County, Florida, has taken a bold step in the fight against the opioid overdose crisis. The agency has installed Narcan kits at its four bus terminals and is training its employees on how to use the nasal spray to reverse opioid overdoses.

According to PSTA safety, security, and training supervisor Eddie Kester, the move is a response to the growing number of people who become unresponsive while using PSTA services. Kester emphasized the importance of being equipped with the right tools to handle these situations.

Pinellas Transit Agency Equips Terminals and Staff with Lifesaving Narcan Kits

"We transport a lot of people every day, and there are times when people go unresponsive due to pre-existing medical conditions or other reasons. We want to be prepared with the right tools to save lives," said Kester.

Pinellas County has witnessed a steady increase in deaths caused by accidental opioid overdoses since 2018. The Pinellas County Opioid Task Force attributed this rise to various factors, including the increased availability of illicit drugs like fentanyl and the misuse of prescription opioids.

Pinellas Transit Agency Equips Terminals and Staff with Lifesaving Narcan Kits

To combat this trend, PSTA partnered with Dan Zsido, a retired lieutenant from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office with four decades of experience in narcotics investigations. Zsido is leading the training program for PSTA employees, educating them on how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer Narcan effectively.

"This device, with a small amount of fluid, can mean the difference between life and death," Zsido said, referring to the Narcan nasal spray. "It can reverse the effects of heroin, prescription opioids, and even street drugs containing fentanyl."

Pinellas Transit Agency Equips Terminals and Staff with Lifesaving Narcan Kits

The Narcan kits were strategically placed in locations accessible only to PSTA staff ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st. The agency aims to inform the public about the availability of these life-saving resources during emergencies at the bus terminals.

"We hope to serve as a pilot program for other counties and inspire them to follow our lead," said Zsido. "By expanding access to Narcan, we can save more lives."

Pinellas Transit Agency Equips Terminals and Staff with Lifesaving Narcan Kits

PSTA's initiative aligns with the broader effort to address the opioid crisis in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified Narcan as a critical tool for preventing opioid-related deaths and encourages its widespread distribution and use.

The installation of Narcan kits and the training of PSTA employees demonstrate the agency's commitment to the well-being of its passengers and staff. The availability of these life-saving devices at bus terminals provides peace of mind to riders and empowers employees to respond effectively to overdose emergencies.