Hamilton paramedics to distribute naloxone, provide overdose prevention education
CBC
Hamilton paramedics who respond to opioid calls will soon not only administer naloxone but also distribute the medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose.
The focus is on harm reduction, explained paramedic service superintendent David Thompson, who said crews will provide overdose prevention education as well.
"We know naloxone is a life-saving medication. The more of it that's in the community, the more lives can be saved," he said.
"It's about taking the knowledge and experience our paramedics have in responding to opioid overdoses and bringing in harm reduction pieces and taking that out to the public."
It comes as Hamilton continues to be ravaged by an opioid crisis public health found was only made worse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paramedics have responded to 816 suspected opioid overdoses so far this year, according to city statistics that track such incidents. That includes 109 in August alone — the highest number in a single month to date.
That's compared to 565 such calls (about 47 per month) in 2020. In 2018 that figure was 450.
Paramedics have noted an "upward trend" of overdoses, responding to three a day, the service said.
A report shared by public health in February revealed the precautions needed to stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading meant people who use drugs had reduced access to services.
Social distancing limited "networks and safe spaces" where people could use substances, it added.
"These changes can increase the frequency of individuals using substances alone; which increases the risk of adverse events from substance use."
Concerns have also been raised about the supply on the street being contaminated, leading to a spike in fatal overdoses.
Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk, a member of Hamilton Social Medicine Response Team (Hamsmart), said even the rising numbers the city has recorded represent only a fraction of the overdoses that happen in the community as the majority are responded to by friends, family and other peers.
The doctor applauded the initiative from paramedics.
A Manitoba judge says Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie must reconsider granting permits to a company that's no longer allowed to take tourists to see polar bears in large tundra vehicles east of Churchill.
Some people from a northern Saskatchewan reserve were left without phone landline and internet services for weeks, and wonder why it took so long for SaskTel to address the issue.
Alberta’s rate cap is deepening financial losses in the province's auto insurance market, industry experts say, as a new report found auto insurers lost more than $1.2 billion in 2024.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says an atmospheric river will take aim at British Columbia's south coast this weekend as heavy rain continues to batter the north coast.
Islanders packed into the temporary location for the Charlottetown Farmers' Market Saturday, marking the first day operating on North River Road in the former Sporting Intentions space.
More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Richmond Hill, Ont., Saturday to show solidarity to protesters in Iran, fighting against the country’s financial collapse and the regime that led to it.
The City of Toronto began its first pothole repair blitz of the year Friday with crews working to fill potholes across the city overnight and into Saturday.
One of the best gifts Cameron Eckert got for Christmas was a sighting of four white-tailed ptarmigan.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas, along with City of Calgary officials, will provide an update at 1 p.m. Saturday on the work to repair the ruptured Bearspaw south feeder main.
As Kaschechwan First Nation navigates a water crisis, families are having to get by with one case of water bottles per day.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for much of the Maritimes, beginning Sunday morning.
Organizers of a long-running food and wine show that showcases the country's best booze aren't letting a growing trend that sees Canadians drinking less alcohol stop the London event.
Robert Grenier, an archaeologist known for pioneering underwater exploration, has died.