SANFORD — Drug statistics provided in an annual report by Biddeford Police Chief Roger Beaupre show the Biddeford Fire Department administered Narcan, an opiate antidote, to 53 overdose patients in 2014, up from 30 in 2013 and 19 in 2012.

In Sanford, the statistics provided by the Fire Depart-ment show Narcan was administered on 22 calls in 2014, 13 in 2013 and 11 in 2012. But the first quarter of 2015 shows Narcan was administered on 14 calls in Sanford, a signal overdoses are increasing.

By contrast, in Waterboro, where the population is roughly one”“third of Sanford or Biddeford’s population, rescue workers administered Narcan just twice in 2014, according to Rescue Chief Lisa Bennett. But Bennett pointed out, administration of Narcan doesn’t tell the entire tale. Residents may be treated by emergency medical services in circumstances where they’re under the influence, but their statistical models don’t differentiate between alcohol or drugs.

Sgt. Pete Mador, of the York County division of the Maine Drug Enforce-ment Agency, says heroin use is on the rise throughout York County. And so are the overdoses that come with it.

Mador said there were 210 overdose deaths statewide in 2014, compared to 131 deaths as a result of motor vehicle crashes.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of out”“of”“state dealers,” with known gang affiliations, he said.

Mador is not the only one who has noticed the increase. A coalition of law enforcement and those in the medical and social service fields came together to begin what they’ve dubbed as a “Community Conversation” about heroin in Wells last month. They’ll do so again May 13 in Biddeford, at a public meeting at 6 p.m. at New Life Church on Route 111.

Mador said people turn to heroin because its easier to find than prescription opiate pills and because the pills are now being made in a fashion that can’t be crushed and snorted.

Hear the word “junkie,” and most folks likely have an image in their mind. Those who have been in the emergency medical field for years say its time to revise the picture.

Carl French, a paramedic with Sanford Fire Department for 33 years, said some people he sees in the ambulance are regular, working people ”“ perhaps they’ve been in a car crash and were prescribed opiate medications for pain. Then, their prescription runs out and they’re buying on the black market, and then at some point, make the switch to heroin.

“It’s people you wouldn’t have (seen),” 10 years ago, French said in an interview last week.

French said he’s answered enough calls over the years that he knows when he hears a call about an unconscious person in a vehicle that it is likely an overdose.

One young woman who had been living in a motel told paramedic, “I just want to die.”

He said other drugs don’t seem to hold the same power over their victims as heroin does.

“They can’t believe their life is the way it is,” French said.

Mador estimated heroin sells for around $140 to $170 a gram in York County. An average user buys a “bun,” or 0.2 grams for $40 or $50.

Both men say there’s no shortage of it around.

“It’s taking normal people and killing them,” said French. “It’s ruining their lives and killing them. In 33 years, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324”“4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282”“1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].