Pubdate: Tue, 28 Jul 2015
Source: Nelson Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Black Press
Contact:  http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/nelsonstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4866
Page: A1

DRUG OVERDOSES SPIKE IN NELSON

Physicians and police urge caution following at least four critical
drug overdoses since April

Physicians and police are urging the community to think twice when
using illicit drugs following at least four critical drug overdose
cases in Nelson over the last three months.

"This is my third year in Nelson, and I've never seen anything like
this," said Dr. Nic Sparrow, emergency department physician at
Kootenay Lake Hospital.

"I've seen six overdose cases since the end of April, four of them
critical, and that's just me. That doesn't include cases that other
doctors may have seen."

Recent cases do not seem to be related to a specific type of drug -
fentanyl, cocaine, morphine and opiates appear to be contributing
factors in the recent overdoes. In many cases, a combination of drugs
and alcohol resulted in individuals needing emergency care.

"Most recent cases involved individuals under 40, but there isn't a
more narrow age range," reads a press release.

Police are urging the community to keep this in mind as a number of
annual festivals, including Shambhala, approach.

"Nelson is regarded as a party town and that has brought associated
drug issues," reads the release.

"You name it-from acid to crystal meth to cocaine to ketamine-we have
seen it in Nelson. More people are using drugs and definitely more
people are selling drugs in our community," said police chief Wayne
Holland.

"In these recent cases it doesn't appear to be first-time users and
there doesn't appear to be a specific drug as the cause."

Though the police encourage drug and alcohol abstinence, they said
those who indulge should ensure they don't mix different drugs, take
drugs while alone or experiment with higher doses.

Police urged anyone who thinks they're having an overdose to call
9-1-1 immediately.

"We are here to help. We may be called out in these cases, but are not
interested in pursuing charges against individual drug users. We want
them to get the medical help they need and get it as quickly as
possible. 9-1-1 is the best way to make sure that happens," said Holland.

Delays in getting care can have tragic consequences according to
Sparrow.

"In the recent cases the individuals were found and received urgent
medical care. It's important for people to know that the consequences
of an overdose can be life-threatening."

Interior Health are encouraging individuals struggling with substance
us to seek help. For more information contact the Nelson Mental Health
and Substance Use office at 250-505-7248.

More information about harm reduction and overdose prevention is
available at www.towardtheheart.com.
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MAP posted-by: Matt