Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s emergency department is the third emergency department in the province to offer Take Home Naloxone as a life-saving antidote for clients at risk of opioid overdose.

December 10, 2015 — The kits are available as of this week, and will be provided to individuals seen for opioid-related medical emergencies, or those who emergency department staff identify as a future risk of opioid overdose.

“A variety of community-based partners are already distributing naloxone on the Island, and NRGH is the first Vancouver Island hospital to do so,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “This proactive step by the NRGH emergency department is one way to help keep those who use substances safe from harm.”

Naloxone, or Narcan®, is an antidote to opioid overdose. The Take Home Naloxone program is part of a broader program of prevention and response within the Nanaimo community. Those who access the naloxone kits at NRGH will also receive training on how to use the kits, information about community resources and education around overdose prevention.

“The NRGH Emergency Department welcomes all members of society, including those who are marginalized,” said Dr. Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer, Central Island. “It is important to reduce stigma around substance use problems. We are pleased to assist people who use substances by providing Take Home Naloxone kits, prevention-related resources and support.”

Each kit includes naloxone hydrochloride, syringes, alcohol swabs, gloves, a rescue breathing barrier, an administration form and step-by-step instructions for use. Emergency department staff, including those who work in psychiatric emergency services, are trained to teach patients and their families how to use the kits.

Trapper Edison, manager of the NRGH Emergency Department, said staff response to the Take Home Naloxone program has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’re proud of the work that we do here, and this just feels like the right thing to do,” he said. “The reality is if having naloxone available at our emergency department helps one person in the community, it’s worth it.”

Related: BC’s Take Home Naloxone Program