Calls to paramedics for overdoses and drug poisonings continue to rise in Nelson even as they drop elsewhere in the Kootenays.
Data released by BC Emergency Health Services shows Nelson led all communities with 261 calls in 2024, up from 225 in 2023. Nelson was followed by Cranbrook (237), Trail (183), Grand Forks (52), Creston (26, up from 16), Castlegar (23) and Kimberley (19).
Provincially, BCEHS paramedics responded to four per cent fewer drug poisoning calls since 2023.
“Overdoses continue to happen in communities all over the province, in cities and rural areas, in every neighbourhood, both inside and outside homes,” said Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer, in a news release on Feb. 5.
Since the public health emergency for toxic drugs was declared in 2016, BCEHS has seen a 110 per cent total increase in annual overdose events. In 2024, paramedics responded to 40,543 overdose and poisoning calls, an average of 111 calls a day.
First responders have saved the lives of many during drug poisoning events. However, the increasing toxicity of the illicit drug supply creates complex challenges, with more naloxone administered than ever before.
"The vast majority of illicit drug toxicity deaths happen when people use alone because there is no one to call 911," said Twaites. "People need to know, if you are going to use these illicit drugs, please don't use alone.”
The BC Centre for Disease Control’s Take Home Naloxone program provides life-saving training and free kits to people who are likely to witness and respond to drug poisoning.
The medication temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone, and morphine. Kits are available in B.C. without a prescription from community pharmacies, harm-reduction sites, hospitals, and First Nations' facilities.
For more information, visit towardtheheart.com/naloxone.
