EMS department gives out 'Buzz Kill Award' for most Narcan use

An unofficial Somerset-Pulaski County EMS award, said to have been given as a joke, is making waves on social media.County EMS Maj. Matt Johnson confirms an employee was given the “Buzz Kill Award” at the annual department Christmas party in December. The award was issued to the EMS employee who administered the most Narcan to overdose patients. According to Chief Steven Eubank, it was presented by other employees, not the department.Narcan is the brand name of a device used to deliver naloxone, which is a medication used to block the effects of an opioid overdose. A representative with the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office tells WLKY overdose deaths are down in the county, thanks in part to Narcan. He says, “We were down into the single digits last year, and we’re down again this year.”Eubank said he is proud that his employees aggressively treat potential drug overdoses.After posting a photo of the award on Facebook, the recipient later removed it due to the negative community response. Johnson says he’s unsure what the comments said, but the award was not intended to be offensive or public. If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, here is a list of resources that can help.

An unofficial Somerset-Pulaski County EMS award, said to have been given as a joke, is making waves on social media.

County EMS Maj. Matt Johnson confirms an employee was given the “Buzz Kill Award” at the annual department Christmas party in December.


The award was issued to the EMS employee who administered the most Narcan to overdose patients.

According to Chief Steven Eubank, it was presented by other employees, not the department.

Narcan is the brand name of a device used to deliver naloxone, which is a medication used to block the effects of an opioid overdose.

A representative with the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office tells WLKY overdose deaths are down in the county, thanks in part to Narcan. He says, “We were down into the single digits last year, and we’re down again this year.”

Eubank said he is proud that his employees aggressively treat potential drug overdoses.

After posting a photo of the award on Facebook, the recipient later removed it due to the negative community response.

Johnson says he’s unsure what the comments said, but the award was not intended to be offensive or public.

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, here is a list of resources that can help.