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
Israel intensifies bombardment of Gaza and southern Lebanon on the eve of Oct. 7 anniversary
A new round of airstrikes hit Beirut suburbs late Sunday as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon in a widening war with Iran-allied militant groups across the region. Palestinian officials said a strike on a mosque in Gaza killed at least 19 people.
Rare cloud formations ripple the sky over Ottawa
A unique form of clouds made an appearance over the skies of Ottawa on Sunday evening.
The cooking method you need to learn to get excited about vegetables this fall, expert says
'Eat more vegetables,' doctors and dietitians say over and over. But for many people, it’s hard to do, because they aren’t excited about veggies or just don’t like them.
Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida's Tampa Bay region
People across Florida were given notice Sunday that Hurricane Milton is intensifying rapidly and will likely be a major hurricane before slamming midweek into the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast.
New Far North hospital moves closer to being built after $1.8B design, build contract awarded
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and the Government of Ontario have awarded a $1.8 billion fixed-price contract to design, build and finance a new Far North hospital.
Inmate dies following assault at Toronto jail, another prisoner charged
A 54-year-old inmate at the Toronto South Detention Centre has been charged in connection with a deadly jail beating late last week that claimed the life of a 69-year-old prisoner.
Madonna's brother, Christopher Ciccone, dead at 63
Christopher Ciccone, a multihyphenate artist, dancer, designer and younger brother of Madonna, has died. He was 63.
'Environmental racism': First Nations leaders claim cancer-causing contamination was covered up
The people of Fort Chipewyan believe the federal government knew its water was contaminated and hid the issue for years. Now the chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is leading the call for immediate action.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice linked to an increased risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.