The Interior Health Authority has started implementing measures in emergency departments to improve overdose surveillance and arm those at risk with naloxone.
Seven emergency departments, including at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, are the first sites to provide both the enhanced overdose surveillance and the Take Home Naloxone program. IHA will roll both initiatives out to the 27 remaining emergency departments within the next two months.
“In the past, the data we had on overdoses had significant limitations. It was not available in real time and was difficult to turn into timely action,” said Dr. Silvina Mema, medical health officer.
“The introduction of this new surveillance measure allows us to identify where risks are arising and will enable us to take proactive action to warn and protect people who are at risk.”
The surveillance tool will be completed whenever a patient who has overdosed or is suspected to have overdosed, presents for medical treatment at the emergency department.
In addition, all emergency departments will offer overdose patients the life-saving drug naloxone through the expansion of the Take Home Naloxone program.
Naloxone is an injectable drug that can reverse (stop) an opioid overdose. In the event of an overdose, naloxone restores breathing within two to five minutes, which offers the opportunity to save a life and reduce harm while waiting for help to arrive.