This American Life 809: The Call
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Sep 8, 2023 A deep dive into a unique hotline reveals emotional calls that intertwine lives. A first-time user confronts addiction while a nurse offers critical support. The story escalates as responders race against time to help a caller in distress. Personal connections deepen, showcasing a hotline manager grappling with her daughter's addiction. Community initiatives bring hope, but tragic miscommunication complicates rescue attempts. This compelling narrative highlights the fragile balance of love, loss, and the fight for survival in the face of addiction.
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Kimber's Overdose
- Kimber called the Never Use Alone hotline after leaving rehab, intending to inject heroin.
- Operator Jessie stayed on the line, but Kimber overdosed and became unresponsive.
Stephen Revives Kimber
- Stephen, a paramedic, responded to an overdose call and found a young woman, Kimber, unresponsive.
- He revived her with oxygen and Narcan, noticing her distress upon waking.
Stephen's Addiction
- Stephen's experience with addiction started in college, fueled by grief and easy access to drugs.
- Despite his success as a young elected official, his life was chaotic due to his hidden addiction.