York Region paramedics respond to rising need for naloxone kits

The rate of opioid-related emergency department visits and deaths continues to increase in York Region since the formation of its opioid action plan.

Emergency department visits related to opioids was 25.1 per 100,000 population in 2020 — a 15.7 per cent increase compared to 2019.

In 2020, the rate of opioid-related deaths was 5.5 per 100,000 compared to 5.2 in 2019 and 3.5 in 2018.

For more than a year, the region's frontline paramedics have been distributing free naloxone kits to prevent opioid overdoses within the community.

"We're quite proud of that, we have a really good partnership with our public health who rallied for us to become one of the distribution partners," said Victoria Rossander, community paramedicine program manager.

Community paramedics, who work with shelters and seniors in mainly non-emergency roles, have been distributing the kits within the community for three years.

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse or block the effects of opioid drugs by restoring regular breathing if breathing stopped due to overdose.  

The kit is comprised of a black pouch emblazoned with a red cross with two vials of the medication inside. Also included is a pamphlet with detailed instructions on how to administer the medication — which is a nasal spray — as well as resources for individuals who may be struggling with substance or mental health issues.  

According to Rossander, there are two kits on board each ambulance and paramedics can distribute the kit to separate individuals or to a family.

The kits are handed out when paramedics arrive on scene following a 911 call regarding an overdose but individuals requiring a kit aren't always calling about an overdose.

"Different calls come in for different reasons. What could start out as abdominal pain can turn into an individual who might need a naloxone kit."

While the focus of opioid overdose prevention is on substance use, there is also a focus on adults or children who have been prescribed medications. With a large senior population in the region, this population can be prone to medication errors, she said, and frontline staff ensures they have the education they need to recognize signs of possible overdose and be prepared if it happens.

"It's a more holistic approach to harm reduction in York specifically."

According to Rossander, between January and April 2021, paramedics responded to 386 calls involving a possible opioid overdose; from January to April 2022 they responded to 456 calls.

She said she's not able to comment on whether distribution of the kits has actually reduced overdoses but the intention is prevention and that education within the community "will ultimately help support individuals to avoid overdoses."