Lambton OPP is reminding area residents to call 911 if they see an overdose.
Cst. Jamie Bydeley tells Sarnia News Today that from January to November 2021, they responded to about 30 overdose incidents and of those calls ten deaths were being investigated.
"Even if you have taken drugs or have drugs on you, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can provide legal protection," said Bydeley. "We want that fear (of arrest) to be non-existent. They don't have to worry about getting in trouble if they've taken drugs or they have a small amount of drugs on them and a medical emergency is going on. We want to come and we want to help."
Bydeley said legal protection is even provided if you are violating conditions of parole, bail, probation or a conditional order for simple drug possession.
"There's some worry there. (They think) maybe they'll be ok and we'll avoid this situation altogether. Rather than just calling and getting help there right away so that EMS, or police, or fire can attend and help that person who might be in some sort of distress."
The holiday season can be especially hard for those with addictions. Bydeley said officers responded to four overdose incidents last December.
"We carry Naloxone with us. We've been trained to administer it as well as all of the medications that can be given by EMS and the medical professionals with fire. So, we really do have the tools at our fingertips to use and the calls could save a life."
Anyone witnessing an overdose is advised to stay with the person after calling 911.
While the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act does protect most individuals, those caught trafficking illegal drugs or who are wanted on outstanding arrest warrants may still be arrested.
Bluewater Health offers withdrawal management services to help people in Sarnia-Lambton who struggle with substance use, including drugs, alcohol and prescription medications.
The community withdrawal management team can be reached at 519-332-4673.
More information is also posted here.
