Did you realize that August 31 was International Overdose Day? The theme is “Recognizing those people who go unseen” acknowledging those people in our community who are affected by an overdose but may go unseen in the crisis. This movement was started by Sally Finn at the Salvation Army in Melbourne in memory of those who are lost and to protect those who can still be saved.
According to the Snohomish County Health Department the most common age for those suffering an overdose is from 35 to 41, however there are rapidly increasing numbers of overdoses among those over 55.
Since 1999 more than 1 million deaths have occurred in the United States due to drug overdoses. At that time most overdoses were due to alcohol, opioids, or methamphetamines, however in the past year there are rapidly increasing numbers of overdoses related to fentanyl. So far this year there have been 166 deaths due to opioids, 159 deaths from fentanyl, and 105 deaths from meth in Snohomish County alone. King County has had close to 1000 deaths from overdose so far this year.
What can we Do? An overdose demands immediate medical attention. Activate the 911 emergency system immediately if you find anyone unresponsive and not breathing then give CPR until help arrives. Be sure to state the emergency clearly and give the street address or exact directions to where the help is needed. Local fire departments or the Red Cross are glad to teach how to give either Regular CPR or the newer “Hands only” resuscitation methods. Emergency responders carry NARCAN, an antidote for overdose which usually gives immediate relief of overdose symptoms.
Margaret S, Education Elder
According to the Snohomish County Health Department the most common age for those suffering an overdose is from 35 to 41, however there are rapidly increasing numbers of overdoses among those over 55.
Since 1999 more than 1 million deaths have occurred in the United States due to drug overdoses. At that time most overdoses were due to alcohol, opioids, or methamphetamines, however in the past year there are rapidly increasing numbers of overdoses related to fentanyl. So far this year there have been 166 deaths due to opioids, 159 deaths from fentanyl, and 105 deaths from meth in Snohomish County alone. King County has had close to 1000 deaths from overdose so far this year.
What can we Do? An overdose demands immediate medical attention. Activate the 911 emergency system immediately if you find anyone unresponsive and not breathing then give CPR until help arrives. Be sure to state the emergency clearly and give the street address or exact directions to where the help is needed. Local fire departments or the Red Cross are glad to teach how to give either Regular CPR or the newer “Hands only” resuscitation methods. Emergency responders carry NARCAN, an antidote for overdose which usually gives immediate relief of overdose symptoms.
Margaret S, Education Elder
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