The health authority for Vancouver Island is warning of a spike in overdoses in the Nanaimo area.
According to a Island Health advisory issued today, Aug. 5, there is an increase in overdoses in Nanaimo from opioids, stimulants and increased risk with smoking. If someone witnesses someone overdosing, they are advised to call 911 immediately, administer rescue breathing and give naloxone, Island Health said.
Island Health is advising substance users to visit the overdose prevention service site at 437 Wesley St., which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In addition, the health authority advises carrying naloxone, having an overdose response plan and consulting with doctors and health-care providers on ways to reduce the need to purchase illicit substances without experiencing withdrawal.
A cellphone app, LifeguardApp, is available for download from www.lifeguarddh.com, the advisory said.
An overdose alert for the Cowichan Valley was also extended by Island Health.
B.C. paramedics responded to a record-breaking 2,700 overdose calls in July https://t.co/Io20ABfras
— Nanaimo Bulletin (@NanaimoBulletin) August 5, 2020
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