Todd Kunz, a community paramedic in Osoyoos, holds a naloxone kit. The public is invited to attend a free public event to learn about harm reduction, opioids and receive training on how to help during an overdose. (Contributed photo)
In an effort to increase the amount of people locally who know how to administer naloxone, the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice is hosting a free training event in Osoyoos on May 6.
Community paramedics, RCMP, and community nurses will teach participants how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, as well as administer naloxone.
“Learning to administer naloxone is effective and relatively simple,” said Osoyoos community paramedic Todd Kunz. “Essentially, injecting naloxone reverses the effects of an overdose, which has caused a person’s breathing to slow or stop.”
Event participants will receive a free naloxone kit. These are also available free-of-charge at health centres and pharmacies.
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The event also includes a short presentation on harm reduction, and a personal story by a Moms Stop the Harm representative.
In Osoyoos, the training takes place on May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sonora Community Centre.
Training is also taking place in Keremeos, Oliver and Princeton.
More information is available on the BC Harm Reduction Program website: towardtheheart.com.
