Community
Ottawa paramedic leader says drug supply getting more toxic amid overdose crisis
Ottawa paramedic leader Darryl Wilton says not a day went by in 2022 that didn’t include an overdose-related call.
He says that although overdose numbers in the Ottawa area have remained steady, the drug supply has become more toxic and antidotes such as Naloxone are becoming less effective.
Wilton, the president of the Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa, says his team is increasingly seeing benzodiazepines such as valium being used with narcotics, a mix that can require intensive care in the hospital.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit, which serves communities just west of the city, put out an overdose alert Monday warning residents about “life-threatening” drugs circulating in the area.
The county’s acting medical officer of health says that last week, paramedics responded to four overdose calls, which is alarming for the area.
Some safe consumption sites in Ottawa say they are looking to expand their hours of operation, but they are already struggling to meet the demand for their services.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 4, 2023.
———
Community
Share a special night with Great Big Sea’s Sean McCann this Saturday for the Child Advocacy Centre
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michelle lost a kidney to cancer 20 years ago. Her blood pressure has been challenging to keep in a healthy range since. A busy life with little focus on healthy got her in trouble. In late December 2020, she ended up in emergency with extremely high blood pressure in the 200/150 range and a blood sugar of 25. She was very sick. She had a second similar episode in January. At that time, she was let go from her job. This turned out to be the best thing that happened as she now had time to focus on her health.
The RDPCN family nurse recommended she attend Diabetes the Basics as well as providing her with ongoing one-to-one support for several months. She also got connected to a weight management program, supervised exercise and Heartwise.
Fast forward to 18 months, she has decreased her clothing size from 20 to 14. Her blood sugar is now 7 and her blood pressure is in the range of 138/95. Great improvements!
She is back to work. She walks about an hour per day and she feels amazing! She has used the portion control plate to help improve her eating habits. She is eating way better and enjoying it. One thing she could not give up was Pepsi. She used to have at least 3 cans per day. Now she uses Diet Pepsi in much smaller volumes, but she cannot get by without some Pepsi. Long-lasting insulin and using the Libre sensor have been great tools to help her live healthily. She feels very empowered, happy and healthy!!
Learn more about the Red Deer Primary Care Network. Click here.
Qatar, Norway and ‘The Trouble with Canada’
British health researcher says authorities in Canada, US, and UK are doing nothing about thousands of excess deaths
East Germany’s Triumphant Comeback Over Woke West
Video of Tyre Nichols beating leaves unanswered questions
-
COVID-192 days agoPreston Manning stepping away from National Citizen’s Inquiry to focus on the Alberta Public Health review
-
Agriculture2 days ago
U.S. launches second USMCA dispute panel as dairy battle with Canada goes to Round 2
-
Alberta2 days ago
Project Radar nets meth seizure in Red Deer, Lloydminster
-
Peavey Mart Centrium2 days ago
Professional Bull Riders Elite Cup Series returns to Red Deer this weekend
-
COVID-191 day ago
Whistleblower shares his role in “Covert military operation observing UK citizens during the pandemic”
-
Local Entertainment2 days ago
Notre Dame Fine Arts Department invites you to see Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical!
-
Alberta2 days ago
Milk shakeup: U.S. launches second USMCA dispute panel in dairy battle with Canada
-
Alberta2 days ago
Alberta promising changes to campuses amid university ‘woke’ free speech standoff
