Increased overdose calls could lead to more awareness

PRINCE GEORGE —There were 128 calls to 9-1-1 in Prince George related to potential overdoses last month. That number, which comes from BC Emergency Health Services, is more than double the average of just over 50 calls of that nature.

That number of calls puts Prince George at fifth for the province. The spike is cause for concern, especially since people continue to use alone.

“That’s where we’re seeing the most harmful effects. That’s where we’re seeing the bulk of our overdose responses, and tragically the greatest number of deaths as a result of the opioid crisis” explained Jon Deakin, a Paramedic Practice Leader with BC EHS. “I’m not sure what to attribute it to whether it’s the pandemic or what other factors are in play but it is very important that people don’t use alone.”