Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you suspect someone is overdosing
Posted April 16, 2016 8:34 am.
Last Updated April 16, 2016 8:51 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – BC Emergency Health Services responded to more than 12,000 suspected drug overdose or poisoning incidents last year, but many more may have gone unreported because people were scared of the repercussions.
Even if you just suspect someone is overdosing, call paramedics.
“When someone calls 911 about a suspected overdose, our priority is getting the most appropriate medical care to the patient as soon as possible,” explains BCEHS Chief Operating Officer Jodi Jensen. “We are not here to pass judgement or get anyone in trouble; we are here to help save a life.”
Corinne Begg with BCEHS tells us about the signs to look out for. “Certainly they should be monitoring somebody’s level of consciousness, their breathing as well that is a really important indicator, the colour of their skin if someone is going ashen or gray that is definitely not a good sign.”
“Definitely call 911. We just gather quick information about the location and patient condition and then we will provide life-saving or alternating instructions until help arrives there.”
Begg adds dispatchers do not regularly share callers’ information with law enforcement agencies.
BC has proclaimed April 10-16th as Emergency Service Dispatchers’ and 911 Awareness Week.
What types of questions will dispatchers ask?
- Was this accidental?
- Is the patient alert?
- Could the patient be violent?
- Where is the patient now?
- What did they take?
- Is the patient breathing normally?
What won’t dispatchers ask?
- Your name or the patient’s name,
- Your home address or other identifying information (unless required for scene response),
- Where narcotics were purchased.
