Overdose workshop in Tri-Cities to distribute naloxone
Posted August 8, 2016 5:22 pm.
Last Updated August 8, 2016 5:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — As we continue to hear about people overdosing on drugs like fentanyl, Fraser Health wants to get you educated on how to reverse the effects that could lead to death.
It has teamed up with the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group to put on a forum Tuesday evening.
On average, there are four visits to emergency rooms every week for overdoses in the Tri-Cities.
Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Helena Swinkels explains, Fraser Health has focused a lot on getting naloxone into communities, a medication that turns the effects of an overdose around.
If you go to the workshop you’ll be trained to administer it, but she adds there are other things you need to do to help someone who has overdosed.
“You would call 911 and also, they need rescue breathing until such time as help arrives,” she says.
Prevention is also extremely important.
“Always have a buddy with you that you can trust who is sober, not using any alcohol or other drugs, and able and willing to call for medical help if you need it, that’s our first recommendation. We really strongly advise that you do not mix drugs and alcohol.”
Anyone attending the event who is at risk of being in an overdose situation will be given a free naloxone kit to take home.
The free event happens at Trinity United Church on Prairie Avenue in Port Coquitlam between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
