By Ashley Legassic

Interior Health unsure why Kamloops experienced spike in overdose deaths in September

Nov 16, 2018 | 1:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — Overdose deaths in Kamloops were nearly non-existent during some parts of this year, but that’s no longer the case.

Seven people died of a drug overdose in Kamloops during September of this year, and Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Kamran Golmohammadi says in an email statement that numbers in Kamloops appear consistent with the rest of the province.

“Based on preliminary information from the recent BC Coroners report, there was an apparent increase in deaths in Kamloops in September,” the email states. “However, this is consistent with the variability we’ve seen throughout the overdose emergency in B.C. We are unable to explain why this recent increase occurred. But we do know that throughout the emergency, deaths have mostly been occurring among males and among people using drugs alone. Fentanyl has also been detected in more than 80 (per cent) of deaths that have occurred in B.C. in 2018.”

Interior Health is once again urging recreational drug users to avoid using right now, but anyone who does choose to use is advised to take these steps:

• Don’t mix different drugs (including pharmaceutical medications, street drugs, and alcohol).
• Don’t take drugs when you are alone. Use in the company of someone who can administer help or call 911 if you experience an overdose.
• Keep an eye out for your friends — stay together and look out for each other.
• Use less and pace yourself. Do testers to check strength — take a small sample of a drug before taking your usual dosage.
• Carry a naloxone kit and know how to use it. A list of locations to get a kit can be found on the Interior Health website.
• Recognize the signs of an overdose: slow or no breathing, gurgling or gasping, lips or fingertips turning blue, difficult to awaken, or non-responsive.
• If someone is experiencing an overdose or is witnessing an overdose, follow the SAVE ME steps and call 911 immediately.
• Consider treatment options — talk with your healthcare provider.
   

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