Front line emergency works hold barbeque, offers free naloxone training
There were 460 people that died of a drug overdose in Saskatchewan last year, prompting calls for more action to address drug overdose emergencies.
On Friday, front line emergency workers held a free barbeque in Victoria Park then offered life saving
naloxone training to participants.
“It can really save a person's life so if someone is having an overdose, you can make the difference and I'm really happy to be here today and learning how to do that," said Sarah Turnbull, who received naloxone training after the barbeque.
In all, over 60 people left with naloxone kits that they can administer to overdose victims that they may encounter.
"Giving them instructions on how to administer it. If they see anybody they believe is having an opiod overdose, even if they are not having an opiod overdose, it's still okay to administer it because its not going to affect them," explained Tasha Acoose, peer support for Aids Programs South Saskatchewan.
The event was held jointly with Regina's Overdose Outreach Team which pairs a fire department paramedic with a health authority worker.
"I mean, we certainly do carry naloxone with us in our vehicle for the off chance that we do encounter someone who is experiencing an overdose but that's not our primary role,” said Shannon Jolly, a mental health clinician for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
The team has been in operation for two years. It has offered assistance to hundreds of surviving overdose victims following release from hospital.
"Once we receive a referral, within 72 hours, we are going to follow up with that individual and try and get them connected to service to try and prevent another overdose," said Bryan Looker, with the Regina Fire and Protective Services.
Quick action on the frontline is a crucial first step in saving those who are in the midst of an overdose. Now, a growing team of volunteers are equipped to step in.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israeli airstrike kills at least 20 people including children at a school in central Gaza
An Israeli airstrike has killed at least 20 people including children at a school-turned-shelter in central Gaza, according to local hospitals.
Thousands of miles from home, Trudeau learns of dissension in his caucus
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
Here's the dirt on the germiest items in your day-to-day life
Your home – considered to be one of the safest havens from all the external stresses – is filthy.
Trump suggests a protester may get 'the hell knocked out of her' by her parents
Former U.S. president Donald Trump called for a protester at one of his rallies to 'go back home to Mommy' to 'get the hell knocked out of her,' his latest instance of using violent language when confronted by demonstrators.
Court untangles 'bizarre mess' that allowed Vancouver duplex owner to pay off mortgage after foreclosure, sale
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled on a case she describes as a "bizarre mess" in a decision issued earlier this week.
Historic Jersey Shore amusement park closes after generations of family thrills
The historic Jersey Shore amusement park has closed amid financial woes made worse by COVID-19 and Superstorm Sandy.
Should men and women eat different breakfasts? Study suggests they should
The study, which uses a mathematical model, indicates that men and women may benefit from different breakfast choices to optimize metabolism and potentially aid weight management.
Liberals announce new campaign director amid new push to oust Trudeau
The Liberal Party has named Andrew Bevan as its new national campaign director for the next federal election. The announcement comes as party continues to face lagging polls and as party leader Justin Trudeau is facing new pressure to step aside.
Man with loaded gun arrested at checkpoint near Donald Trump's weekend rally in Southern California
A Nevada man with a shotgun, loaded handgun, ammunition and several fake passports in his vehicle was arrested at a security checkpoint outside Donald Trump's rally Saturday night in the Southern California desert, authorities said.