PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Fast-acting Providence firefighters used Narcan to save seven Providence College students at a home on Liege Street earlier this month. Authorities said the students overdosed after ingesting illegal drugs.
“If it wasn’t for those frontline firefighters, I don’t believe those young men would’ve survived the night,” Battalion Chief Christopher Gastall said. “I believe that they would’ve died that night.”
First responders initially responded to reports of two people who had overdosed, according to authorities.
Battalion Chief Christopher Gastall spoke with NBC 10’s Mike Cerullo. (WJAR)
When they arrived, they said they found four people unconscious on the front lawn. They found three more patients inside.
“The scene was very chaotic,” said Assistant Chief Joseph Molis. “You had a house full of 50 to 70 kids. They’re all calling for their friends. They’re sick. They’re not doing well.”
First responders declared a Mass Casualty Incident due to the overwhelming amount of resources required at the scene. Gastall says the large crowd, dead-end street, and darkness created additional challenges for responding firefighters.
“You’re having a hard time sorting which are patients, and which are people that just want to help,” Gastall said. “You don’t want to lose someone in this crowd.”
The seven students were brought to the hospital. Authorities said they were all conscious and alert shortly after the incident.
Police have arrested three people in connection to the overdoses. According to an incident report obtained by NBC 10, Angel Williams, 33, supplied the drugs.
The report states he was selling cocaine and fentanyl in the Providence area.
Molis tells NBC 10 firefighters respond to overdoses frequently, carry Narcan with them, and train for situations like what happened on Liege Street.
Battalion Chief Christopher Gastall spoke with NBC 10’s Mike Cerullo. (WJAR)
“It’s a cautionary tale and it’s a lesson learned that taking illegal drugs is not good for you,” Molis said.
Neither the students who overdosed nor those who called for help will face charges because of the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act.
A spokesperson for Providence College tells NBC 10 the school’s investigation was still ongoing as of Friday.
