VANCOUVER — British Columbia's largest health authority is urging people to ensure they know how to use medication that could reverse a fatal overdose.
Dr. Aamir Bharmal, Fraser Health's medical health officer, says family members or friends of someone who uses illicit opioids may have picked up a naloxone kit but they need to practise how to administer the potentially life-saving drug.
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says over 114,000 naloxone kits have been distributed in British Columbia since 2012 through pharmacies, public health units and community agencies that work with drug users.
The kits contain three one-milligram ampules of the medication, along with a syringe and a breathing mask to provide an overdose victim with breaths if they are unresponsive.
Bharmal says Fraser Health will be holding practice drills for its staff every day next week to refresh their skills and also encourages the public to join an online demonstration on its Facebook page on Monday afternoon.
He says experts will be available to answer questions and provide information as part of the health authorities activities leading to International Overdose Awareness Day next Friday.
