In July, BC paramedics responded to the highest number of overdose calls ever recorded since the opioid crisis was first declared in 2016.
In Vanderhoof, the community averages one two two overdose calls per month, confirmed Shannon Miller, communications officer for BC Emergency Health Services.
In 2020, there have been 6 overdose calls in Vanderhoof as of Aug. 26, Miller said. In 2019, there were 9 overdose calls and in 2018 there were 7 in the District.
In B.C. paramedics were called to 2,706 overdose related calls in July, which comes up to 87 per day. The average is usually 2000 overdose calls per month.
As per Northern Health, unintentional deaths and injury from opioid overdose are preventable with overdose and naloxone education. Naloxone can quickly reverse an overdose. People can be trained to recognize and respond to an overdose by using a free take home naloxone kit. Training is free and only takes 20 minutes. Call 8-1-1 for access to over 130 language translators at any time.
READ MORE: New study calls for new approach to tackling overdose crisis
Aman Parhar
Editor, Vanderhoof Omineca Express
aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.com
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