Riverview approves defibrillator purchase using opioid settlement

By SUE SUCHYTA

Sunday Times Newspapers

RIVERVIEW – The City Council approved Sept. 15 the purchase of 10 automated external defibrillators using opioid settlement money.

Fire Chief Glenn Owens said that while Riverview has experienced fewer opioid deaths than neighboring cities, the city has not been spared.

He said drug use among school age children is increasing, and people are often afraid to call 911 regarding a possible overdose, which critically delays response time.

“With such a delay, it is common for the individual to be in cardiac arrest prior to our arrival,” Owens said. “When an overdose victim is in cardiac arrest, Narcan will not bring them back.”

He said that once a dose of Narcan wears off, residual opioids in a person’s system can cause a second overdose.

Owens recommended placing AEDs in all city buildings, in-duty police cars and all local schools.

He also recommended training for all city workers, school employees and police officers in the use of AEDs and Narcan.

“We believe that with this program, we will be able to better educate and train those individuals likely to respond to a victim of overdose,” Owens said.

He said that some of the AED units currently placed throughout the city are 10 years old, with three that are 13 years old. 

Owens said the cost of 10 AEDs would be $20,000, which would include an eight-year data plan.

State Rep. Rylee Linting (R-27th District) said she supports Owens’ proposal, which she said addresses a critical gap in emergency response services.

“I respectfully urge Wayne County to approve Riverview Fire Department’s request and to consider this initiative as a model for other communities,” she said. “Chief Owens’ plan aligns directly with the spirit and purpose of the opioid settlement funding, and I am confident it will have a measurable, positive impact on public health and safety.”