We were just going about our business, but we didn’t just mind our own business.
While downtown in a store a couple weeks ago, my husband and I noticed two people in the vacant lot across the street.
One was laying down.
The business owner who we were talking with said he had been watching them and believed he saw them using drugs.
Not much later, we noticed the one person was still laying down on her back and then we saw the second person crouching over her. Soon after he was shaking her.
The business owner had a Naloxone kit, which he went to grab and my husband, and I went to see if they needed help.
The person appeared to need Naloxone, as she deteriorated rapidly and was no longer breathing. Soon after we injected her with a first, and then a second dose using the kit while one person was on the phone to 911.
We prepared to move the patient to flat ground in order to be able to give chest compressions if necessary, but she regained consciousness very rapidly as we did so.
The paramedics arrived quickly as well, and very professionally took over the scene and the needs of the patient.
This was an eye-opening incident for more than one reason.
First of all, because we chose not to ignore a situation happening on a vacant lot in our downtown, we may have potentially saved a life.
Second of all, because the business owner, who is an active member of Williams Lake’s Citizens on Patrol had a Naloxone kit on hand, we were prepared with what may have been life-saving tools.
Third, the effectiveness of Naloxone for countering the effects of opioids cannot be overstated. While it can’t always do the trick, when it does, the effect is powerful. The person appeared to come back to life before our eyes.
As the ongoing toxic drug crisis continues to take place on our streets, next to homes and businesses, it was good we felt comfortable at least trying to help someone we saw in need. The kits are simple, include instructions and gloves.
Thankfully for the patient, her family and those who love her, she was somewhere she was seen and she was not alone.
Not everyone is so lucky, and last month, a cousin’s child and a friend’s brother were both lost to toxic drugs. We hope not to have to administer Naloxone again, however, we hope we are there with if it is needed.
READ MORE: Interior Health eyes safe use site for Williams Lake
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