Naloxone helping the OPP save lives

The OPP have released new statistics showing that Naloxone has saved 102 lives since officers started carrying the drug, which is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose. Of the people who the OPP have used Naloxone on since September of 2017, the majority, 66 percent, were male, and 34 percent were female. The average age was 31 for women and 32 for men, and most of the incidents happened in a home. Officials say the severity of the opioid crisis is evident in the increase in opioid related overdoses. OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says the force recognizes that lives are being lost due to opioids and they are taking action, including laying charges against dealers for manslaughter or criminal negligence causing death in relation to fatal overdoses.  Carrique encourages everyone to be a good Samaritan and call 9-1-1 when they see suspect someone is overdosing.