The Signal Audio: Lifesaving drug aims to cut opioid overdose deaths
LifeShield CEO Kyle Mohler says naloxone buys precious time when waiting for paramedics
Dozens of Nova Scotians die from opioid overdoses every year.
But in the last couple of years, the number has dropped.
That may be in part because of the availability of a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and buy precious time until an ambulance can arrive.
That’s according to LifeShield CEO and emergency responder Kyle Mohler. His company sells first aid products and training, including how to use naloxone kits. He’s also worked closely with Direction 180, a methadone clinic in Halifax.
His experience working with their clients taught him first-hand the importance of the drug.
“The clients there, the users, they’ve told me unequivocally that if not for access to Narcan (naloxone), a lot of them and their peers would not have lived to see another day,” he said.
Mohler also wants to challenge the stigma against drug users, and remind people that a lot of overdose deaths aren’t from chronic users.
“As we move outward, and we speak with members of the community who are arms-distance from marginalized populations, I do find there is a significant stigma, and we do need to fill a gap,” he said.
Listen to the full interview with Kyle Mohler.
