December 1 - 15 , 2017 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY 25
Vancouver Fire has responded to over 6,000 overdose calls this year High volume of calls putting strain on first responders
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services has responded to more than 6,000 overdose calls this year , up 28 % from the previous year with a month remaining in 2017 . This high volume is putting a continued strain on services and front-line workers .
For the period of November 27 to December 3 , Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services responded to 81 overdose calls . For the same period , Vancouver Police Department ( VPD ) reported a suspected five overdose deaths , four of which occurred outside the Downtown Eastside , highlighting the need for extended services and supports across the City .
“ The latest statistics on overdose deaths highlight the magnitude of the horrific opioid crisis that is tearing through our city , province and country ,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson . “ Far too many precious lives have already been lost to preventable overdoses and too many families are grieving . While I commend and want to thank our heroic first responders , City staff and community service workers for their extraordinary efforts to save lives , the impact is taking a significant toll on them . We will continue to push hard for
significant investments and a coordinated national response by all orders of government - including other municipalities , federal and provincial governments and First Nations - to end this tragic epidemic .”
The City is encouraged by last week ’ s announcement by the Government of British Columbia for the creation of a new Overdose Emergency Response Centre < http :// www . cbc . ca / news / canada / british-columbia / new-action-to-combat-the-overdose-crisis-british-columbia-1.4429049 > that will include a core team of experts and full-time staff bringing together provincial , health authority , municipal , Indigenous and law enforcement resources . The development of this program addresses the severity of the crisis with an escalated response from the Province . The program will be driven by data at a local level , which will address the specific needs of each community . The centre will be based at Vancouver General Hospital .
It is at the community level that awareness and harm reduction supports are crucial . Just this past week , the Globe and Mail reported on Vancouver BIAs taking up unlikely role as advocates during this crisis < https :// www . theglobeandmail . com / report-onbusiness / small-business / sb-managing / how-canadas-opioid-crisisis-turning-business-owners-intoadvocates / article37166193 /)/>.
Toxicology reports on the most recent deaths are not yet complete , and final overdose death numbers need to be confirmed by the BC Coroners Service .
Read the BC Coroners Services ’ report on Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC , January 1 , 2007 to August 2017 here < http :// www2 . gov . bc . ca / assets / gov / public-safety-and-emergency-services / deathinvestigation / statistical / illicit-drug . pdf >.
Why the Wait ? 4 Common Causes of Emergency Department Wait Times
SURREY – While it might not be the Great Pyramid of Giza , one modern-day wonder of the world that continues to mystify most people is lengthy emergency department wait times . Ahead of the busy holiday season , Fraser Health is sharing four common reasons why wait times occur , along with measures a person can take to get the care they need , when they need it and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency department .
“ If a person understands how an emergency department functions , they can make an informed decision about whether it ’ s appropriate to go to the hospital or have a non-life threatening health care concern treated by their family physician or at a walk-in clinic ,” says Dr . Neil Barclay , Fraser Health ’ s regional medical director for emergency medicine . “ Up to
20 per cent of visits to the emergency department can be avoided , which is why we encourage people to get the flu shot and take other preventative measures to protect their health .”
Four common reasons why a person with a non-life threatening health concern may experience a lengthy wait in the emergency department :
1 ) Other patients require more urgent care : Unlike a walk-in clinic , the emergency department does not operate on a first-come , firstserved basis . The triage process ( meaning ‘ to sort ’) determines which patients need the most urgent care , and prioritizes accordingly . 2 ) You need additional tests or lab work : If your health care concern requires waiting for additional test results , like blood work , an ultrasound , or CT scan , this can
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result in a longer visit and lengthier wait times in the emergency department . 3 ) The unexpected has occurred : Unforeseen circumstances , such as a natural disaster or a major car accident can result in a sudden influx of patients who need urgent care . This leads to longer wait times in the emergency department for those waiting with less urgent health care needs . 4 ) You come at a busy time . Sometimes it ’ s busy , particularly during the holiday season when visits to the emergency department can increase by as much as seven per cent .
Here are a few of Dr . Barclay ’ s tips for a safer , healthier , merrier holiday season that can help keep you out of the emergency department :
1 . For any health concern , call your family doctor or nurse practitioner first . Your family doctor knows you and your medical history . In some cases , same-day urgent appointments may be available if you ask . 2 . If your family doctor is not available , check medimap . ca for participating walk-in clinics , wait times and opening hours . Medimap . ca is in most communities in Fraser Health . Remember to ask that a copy of the visit be sent to your family doctor . 3 . For trusted health advice call 8-1-1 ( HealthLinkBC ) which is available 24 hours / day , 7 days / week . Speak with a representative who will help you find health-related information and services , or connect you with a nurse for health advice , a dietitian for nutrition information or a pharmacist for medication advice . 4 . For an urgent medication refill speak with your pharmacist . Remember , since doctors ’ offices
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