New London — Two lives were saved over the weekend when New London firefighters, who are also trained emergency medical technicians, administered Narcan, an opioid reversal drug, to suspected heroin overdose victims. A third overdose victim was reported Monday.

Fire Chief Henry Kydd said the fire department's ambulances were called out twice Saturday. The first call came in 4:53 p.m. from 43 Golden St. Kydd said the person was unconscious. The second call, at 175 Crystal Ave., occurred at 6:55 p.m. and the person at that call was reported to be semiconscious.

He said Lawrence + Memorial Hospital paramedics responded at about 9:30 a.m. Monday to 42 Jay St. for another overdose victim.

"It just goes to show you that the system works when we're there or not there," said Kydd.

Firefighters completed training on how to administer Narcan at the end of February. Kydd said every ambulance and fire engine carries the medicine and crews have used it more than a half-dozen times.

Firefighters, police and emergency medical technicians throughout the state have been training in how to administer Narcan since a law went into effect a year ago that allows more citizens to use it without civil or criminal liability.

Since then state police have utilized Narcan 30 times — nine of which occurred in Troop E's district in Montville. Sgt. Shane Hassett, state police spokesman, said troopers were successful in saving 26 of those lives.

Kydd said it's not uncommon to respond to a report of an overdose victim, but how they respond is now different. They no longer have to wait for a paramedic who, before the law passed, were the only ones allowed to give the drug when responding to an emergency call. He said treating the patient quickly can be a matter of life and death.

"It's not just a New London problem," said Kydd. "It's happening throughout southeastern Connecticut. The quicker we respond ... there is a better chance of survival. That's what we're here for. We're here to save lives."

The number of heroin-related overdose deaths in Connecticut increased by more than 86 percent between 2012 and 2014 — from 174 to 325, according to the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Lawrence + Memorial Emergency Services Coordinator Ron Kersey said the hospital has overseen the training of about 1,000 EMTs in communities covered by the hospital. He said each community has decided for themselves the best way to carry and deploy Narcan.

But, he noted, "Every community now has a basic level provider with the ability to use Narcan."

Kersey said while EMTs and paramedics can help an overdose victim breathe, Narcan helps the patient regain control of his or her own airway.

"There are more risks involved when a patient is not breathing on their own," Kersey said.

i.larraneta@theday.com

Twitter: @larraneta