Overdose prevention and response
Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death in British Columbia for persons aged 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined.
AVÌìÌà is committed to preventing and responding to toxic drug overdoses.
Concentrated forms of opioids like Fentanyl and Carfentanil are known to circulate within the local drug supply. These substances are potentially more harmful than other forms of opioids as they are more easily mixed in to other substances and deliver a much higher dose.
Opioid overdose can be fatal or have other long lasting health impacts. This high level of risk means it is important that we be aware of the signs of an overdose and be prepared to help someone in need.
Prevention
Preventing an overdose starts with being informed and taking proactive steps to reduce risks. Follow these guidelines to help ensure safer substance use and increase awareness of how to prevent potential overdoses:
- Avoid using substances alone
- Avoid mixing substances
- Know your tolerance and go slow
- Know the signs and symptoms of an overdose
- Know how to respond to an overdose
Resources
Explore key resources to help prevent overdoses:
Awareness
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is crucial for prompt intervention. Look for the following symptoms:
- Slow or no breathing
- Slow or no heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue lips
- Tiny pupils
If you observe any of these signs, it is essential to act quickly.
Response
In the event of a suspected overdose, quick and decisive action can save lives. Follow these steps to ensure proper overdose response and patient care until professional help arrives:
ALWAYS call 911 immediately after recognizing a potential overdose.
- Campus Security should be called as soon as possible after calling 911 so they can provide immediate first aid support and direct the first responders to the patient’s location on campus.
- Naloxone should be administered as soon as possible by a person who is trained in naloxone administration, or by an untrained person under the direction of 911.
- Once Naloxone is administered, the patient is to be monitored for vital signs: airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
- If the patient is not breathing, perform CPR (chest compressions and assisted breathing) in accordance with First Aid protocols or as directed by 911 or emergency responders.
- After 3-4 minutes, if the patient has not regained consciousness, and continues to show no response, a second dose of Naloxone should be administered.
- First aid (chest compressions, assisted breathing, and monitoring ABCs) should continue until a First Responder takes over.
Safety Stations
AVÌìÌà has over 20 Naloxone and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) stations located throughout our campuses and training centres. The Naloxone and AED stations are strategically located to ensure quick access to this equipment in the event of an emergency.
Additional information
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a potentially lifesaving treatment that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Even after a treatment like Naloxone is delivered it is imperative to call 911/Campus Security as the effects are temporary and emergency medical treatment will still be needed. There is no risk of harm presented by delivering Naloxone, even to someone who is not experiencing an overdose.
AVÌìÌà has over 20 Naloxone and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) stations located throughout our campuses and training centres. The Naloxone and AED stations are strategically located to ensure quick access to this equipment in the event of an emergency.
The Naloxone wall cabinets include nasal spray Naloxone, making it easier for untrained individuals to administer this life-saving intervention. The nasal spray is user-friendly, allowing anyone to administer Naloxone under the guidance of a 911 operator while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Naloxone injection kits are carried by all Campus Security officers and OC first aid responders.
Get trained
Naloxone overdose response training is provided to Campus Security, OC first aid responders, and personnel from key operational areas such as Counselling and Student Housing.
Group or department training for AVÌìÌà employees is available upon request by contacting the Occupational Health and Safety Department.
What is the Good Samaritan Act?
A person who renders emergency medical services or aid to an ill, injured or unconscious person at the immediate scene of an accident or emergency that has caused the illness, injury or unconsciousness, is not liable for damages for injury to or death of that person caused by their act or omission in rendering the medical services or aid unless they are grossly negligent.
Download the OC Safe App
Be ready to respond fast in an emergency - download the OC Safe App for quick access to 911, campus security, and emergency procedures.