By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Overdose advisory in place for Nanaimo, Oceanside and Alberni Valley

Aug 29, 2018 | 1:51 PM

NANAIMO — Island Health has issued an overdose advisory for the mid-island area in the wake of increasing overdoses in the last 48 to 72 hours.

The advisory is in effect for Nanaimo, the Oceanside area and the Alberni Valley. 

Medical health officer Dr. Paul Hasselback said there’s a drug product circulating through the community which has caused severe overdoses which were difficult to reverse. 

“The number of doses of naloxone which is required is more than what we usually see,” Hasselback said of the severity of the reactions. 

He and the health authority advised anyone using illict drugs to be safe with their substances.

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“Maybe try a bit first before you take the usual amount,” he said. “Maybe even just pare back the amount you usually take. But really important, don’t use alone. Have someone around who isn’t using at the same time so if one or the other has symptoms of an overdose, someone can respond.

If anyone witnesses an overdose, they should call 911 right away, provide rescue breaths if they’re properly trained and administer naloxone if they can or find someone who is equipped to handle the situation. 

Hasselback said the overdose prevention site on Wesley St. near downtown Nanaimo is the best place to use illicit drugs, especially if a user is taking a new product. 

“There you’ve got individuals who are well-trained in how to reverse an overdose, can provide the supervision, oversight and safety that’s going to prevent a tragic outcome.”

In Nanaimo, 20 people have passed away from overdoses so far this year.

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