Editor;

Saying “no to naloxone” is not a responsible option for the Merritt Fire Rescue Department.

According to Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson “this service is best left to paramedics.” Well, this service is about life and death and in the event of an overdose restoring breathing as soon as possible is critical.

Naloxone injection is readily available now and can save a loved one from dying of a drug overdose. Naloxone reverses the effects of an overdose from opioid drugs like fentanyl, oxycodone and heroin.

Take home kits are provided to drug users, as well as other interested community members to be available when they are needed. Participants receive the brief education required to give the naloxone.

Royal Inland Hospital is running the first program in Canada that sees the emergency room dispensing naloxone kits with the tools needed to help someone overdosing on an opiate.

As we know, drug overdose deaths are on the rise and Merritt is seeing its share. When Merritt Fire Rescue responds to an emergency call I want to know they will have naloxone available to give if it is needed at the scene.

Rose Touchie

Community Health Nurse