TABC agents act quickly to save victim of possible opioid overdose
AUSTIN — Quick action by two agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission revived a woman who was found unresponsive during an inspection of a Dallas-area bar Sept. 30.
TABC agents Wesley McDonald and Tim Shepherd were conducting a regular inspection of a dance club on the 10000 block of Finnell Street when they observed a woman in a wheelchair slumped over and unresponsive. The unresponsive person was surrounded by several other patrons who were attempting to revive her.
The two agents examined the woman and found that she was limp and unresponsive to verbal stimulation. They also could not locate a pulse on the woman. The agents instructed an employee to contact 911 and began questioning the woman’s acquaintances on whether she had taken any drugs or medication. During this conversation, the woman’s eyes rolled back and the skin around her mouth began to turn blue.
The agents quickly determined that it was necessary to use Narcan, the device that delivers the anti-opioid overdose medication naloxone. Agent McDonald retrieved his Narcan, while Agent Shepherd held the woman’s head upright to maintain her airway. A few seconds after the medication was administered, the woman regained consciousness. She was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
“I truly believe Agent McDonald’s and Agent Shepherd’s quick actions saved a life that night,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Our agents are, first and foremost, dedicated to keeping Texans safe and saving lives. I’m incredibly proud of these agents’ actions, and I’m grateful for all our agents and industry partners who are working to keep their fellow Texans safe.”
All TABC agents conducting inspections carry Narcan as part of their regular duty equipment. The agency is also working to develop training for alcohol retailers on the warning signs of a possible opioid overdose and what to do if a suspected overdose takes place at the business.
The agents’ lifesaving actions come as Texas observes its first Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month this October. The annual observance, which was adopted by the Texas Legislature earlier this year, seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of opioids such as fentanyl.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Director of Communications
(512) 206-3462