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Health professionals and service providers have an important role to play in harm reduction. This area contains resources and other information to help those on the front line and beyond.

Timelines

Information Sheets

  • Naloxone
      Naloxone Infographic - August 2018

      Monthly infographic about the BC Take Home Naloxone Program

      Naloxone FAQ

      This document addresses frequently asked questions related to the drug Naloxone, which is provided through the BCCDC's Take Home Naloxone program. 

      Busting Naloxone Myths

      Common myths about Naloxone are busted in this resource for harm reduction coordinators.

      Naloxone Pre-Loading Concerns

      This document addresses concerns with pre-loading naloxone into syringes for administration.

      Naloxone and Temperature - PDF

      This information provides information about naloxone exposure to heat and cold as well as storage temperature recommendations.

      Naloxone Use in Pregnancy - PDF

      Opioid overdose can cause anoxic brain damage and death. Administration of naloxone to a pregnant woman can save the lives of the mother and fetus. This information sheet addreses concerns about using naloxone in pregnancy.

      Naloxone Use in Children - PDF

      Death from unintentional drug overdose in children is preventable. Naloxone administration can save the life of a child and is safe. This information sheet addresses concerns about giving children naloxone.

      Product Monograph - Teligent

      This document contains information about the naloxone manufactured by Teligent. This product is included in the BC Take Home Naloxone and Facility Overdose Response Box programs. This product does not contain a preservative.   

      Product Monograph - Sandoz

      This document contains information about the naloxone manufactured by Sandoz. This product is the secondary (back-up) product periodically included in the BC Take Home Naloxone and Facility Overdose Response Box programs. This product contains preservative. All sites will be notified if/when this product is used.

  • Syringes
      Single Use Syringes - PDF

      This document addresses common concerns expressed in regards to the use of single-use syringes in the community.

      Distribution Vs Exchange - PDF

      This document summarizes why the BC Harm Reduction program follows a policy of needle distribution rather than one-for-one needle exchange.

      Additional Resources

      For further information regarding best practices related to needle distribution, safe needle disposal and community needle stick injuries, please refer to the Best Practice Recommendations and Guideline resources posted below.  

  • Why Give Breaths?
      Why Give Breaths? - PDF

      Opioid overdose is one of a number of special situations where the American Heart Association recommends a different approach than only chest compressions. This information sheet provides information on the importance of giving breaths when responding to an opiod overdose.

  • Fentanyl
      Fentanyl & First Responders FAQ

      Some First Responders and Health Care Workers (HCWs) are understandably worried about the risk of being exposed to unsafe levels of fentanyl and other opioids as a part of their work. We know that this risk is very small. The following Qs & As will help answer specific concerns.

      Fentanyl-Induced Muscle Rigidity - PDF

      Fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity, also known as “chest wall rigidity” and "wooden chest syndrome" is a complication of intravenous injection of fentanyl that has been recognized in the induction of anesthesia in hospital populations. This document provides a background as well as recommendations for by-standers as well as recommendations for safer substance use.

      Fentanyl & Cannabis

      The media has reported public concerns about the potential for fentanyl being in cannabis products, such as however there have been no confirmed cases to date. There was a misunderstanding of a report by Masset RCMP that cited “concerns raised by community” but was not confirmed. This was unfortunately repeated by the BC Premier in November 2016 and subsequently refuted by police and health officials.

  • Overdose Survival Guide

Best Practice, Policies and Procedures

Reports and Research

Updates for Health Professionals

Copyright 2018, Toward the Heart • All rights reserved

Toward the Heart is a project of the provincial Harm Reduction Program

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Featuring artwork from Wakes You Up: Naloxone and the Inner City Youth Experience.

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