First responders revived six men overdosing on fentanyl near the beach Friday, according to the Oceanside Fire Department.
Firefighters, medics, lifeguards and police officers responded to reports of the overdoses at Seagaze Park, aka Strand Beach Park, adjacent to the beach south of the Oceanside Pier.
Each patient was revived with the administration of naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdoses. After receiving treatment, the six men refused to be transported to the hospital against the advice of paramedics.
If the patients had not been treated promptly, according to Battalion Chief Blake Dorse, they would likely not have survived the overdose.
The fire department response included a fire engine, paramedic squad, three ambulances and two lifeguard trucks in addition to police units.
In the U.S. there were more than 72,000 deaths related to synthetic opioids last year.
The Oceanside fire and police departments also sought to remind the public that naloxone may be purchased at drug stores or obtained for free online.
