Oak Bay police officers attended the site of an impending overdose and were able to save a life today.
At around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a passerby called police after witnessing a man at risk of overdosing in his car.
See also: Drug overdose deaths continue to decrease in Victoria: BC Coroners Service
The vehicle was parked roadside on McNeill Avenue in South Oak Bay, and when police arrived, they immediately administered naloxone.
Fortunately, they were able to revive the man and paramedics arrived soon after to take over his care. Police say he has fully recovered.
“We always encourage people to seek support but the reality is that very few go based on our intervention,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties.
“Addiction is not something easily overcome and, at times, people will go and use again immediately after being revived.”
This is the third time in the last year that Oak Bay Police have used their naloxone kits to save people on the brink of overdosing to death.
According to a BC Coroners Service report released earlier this month, illicit drug overdose deaths are on the decline in southern Vancouver Island, by 33% compared to last year.
