Responding to an Overdose During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you do consume substances, stay safer by following these steps:

• Visit your local Overdose Prevention / Supervised Consumption Service (OPS/SCS) for witnessed consumption and drug checking.
• Try the LifeguardApp on your phone.
• Talk to your doctor or health-care provider about your medical options, including prescriptions.
• Carry Naloxone and have an overdose response plan.
• Fix with a friend, and if you are alone, be close to help.
• Stagger your use with a friend, so someone can respond if needed.
• Do a tester and try a little before your regular hit.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-888-494-3888 or call the KUU-US Crisis Line for Indigenous people 1-800-588-8717.

Responding to an opioid overdose when using a Take Home Naloxone (THN) kit

In the context of dual public health emergencies in BC, people need to know how to safely respond to suspected opioid overdoses, including a call to 9-1-1, providing breaths and giving Naloxone (web and print).

The THN face shield will protect against COVID-19. The shield has a one-way valve and large impermeable area that protects the responder from respiratory secretions. The BCCDC continues to promote the use of a THN kit when responding to an overdose in the context of COVID-19, including ventilations with the THN face shield.

More information on COVID-19