“Every second counts”: First responders and advocates concerned by toddler overdoses in Spokane

Airway Heights, Wash. — Local nonprofits and first responders are concerned the number of people who die from fentanyl will begin to include more and more children.

On Tuesday, Airway Heights Police Department confirmed a two-year-old overdosed on fentanyl on March 2.

The child was taken to the hospital and recovered. AHPD has not said whether or not any arrests have been made.

The two-year-old is the third known toddler to overdose on fentanyl in our area this year.

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Amy Vega is the Executive Director of Vanessa Behan, a Spokane nonprofit that supports families in need of safe shelter and care for their children.

“There is a solution, and this doesn’t need to happen and it continues to happen in our community. I’m starting to begin to feel like a broken record at times,” she said.

She said properly storing and disposing of both legal and illegal drugs is key to keeping kids safe.

“[It’s important] it’s a prescription medication, to make sure it’s locked up and inaccessible to your children and that you’ve got people who know what you’re on, so that, if by chance, a child gets a hold of it, they know how to respond to it,” Vega said.

Airway Heights Police said honesty is crucial in ensuring a child receives the proper treatment during an overdose.

“Time is life and every second counts. If we know ahead of time or immediately, as soon as possible, that somebody has overdosed, we can get them the Narcan on board if it’s not available prior to our arrival,” said Kayla Illsley, Crisis Response Team Officer with AHPD.

Vega said the first three years of a child’s life is the most critical time for their development. Exposure to any drugs they aren’t prescribed can have life-long negative impacts.

Vanessa Behan has a crisis line and emergency care for any parents that need help. You can call them at 509-535-3155 or visit vanessabehan.org.