London police say officers were able to save all but two of the people they gave an overdose-reversing drug to in 2018.
According to figures released Monday by the London Police Service, nearly 100 doses of Naloxone were given out by police from June to the end of December. A total of 59 people experiencing an overdose were given the drug by officers. Of those, 57 survived. Officers started carrying Naloxone kits on June 4, 2018.
“Due to concerns about an increase in the fentanyl-related overdoses that London police officers are responding to, members began carrying Naloxone kits to ensure they are able to provide immediate assistance if exposed to fentanyl or to provide immediate assistance to someone who has overdosed,” said Deputy Chief Steve Williams in a statement released Monday.
In some cases, officers gave multiple doses to a person experiencing an overdose.
“Fentanyl and other opioids continue to be a significant issue in London,” Williams said. “We are going to these types of calls too often but, fortunately, we have been able to help a significant number of people,” Williams said.
Canada’s opioid crisis claimed 2,066 lives across the country during the first half of 2018, according to figures from Health Canada. Roughly 94 per cent of those deaths were considered accidental.
The staggering statistics prompted local health units late last summer to advise those who use drugs to ingest them slowly and in tiny doses, avoid mixing substances, carry a Naloxone kit, not to use alone and always tell someone where you will be. Anyone who finds an individual suffering an overdose was told to call 911, administer Naloxone, and continue to assist the person under paramedics arrive.
Signs of an opioid overdose include the inability to stay awake, slowed breathing or limp body, gurgling sounds, pale or blue skin, tiny pupils, and vomiting.
Locations where free naloxone kits can be picked up can be found by clicking here.