The Lifeguard Digital Health app is launching in Northwestern Ontario, and will be available to over 200,000 residents.
The app is activated by a drug-user before their first dose, creating a one minute timer and can be extended to five minutes.
When the timer goes off, the user will have to reactivate it or it will continue to grow louder. If they do not respond after a certain period of time, the app will notify EMS services.
The CEO of NorWest Community Health Centres Juanita Lawson says the app is so important as we have seen an increase of overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are losing many individuals as a result of using drugs and using substances alone, so the Lifeguard Digital Health app gives access to a lifesaving device where they can be provided with immediate medical service if needed,” Lawson adds.
The app will be available to the region around Thunder Bay, including places such as Kenora, Sioux Lookout, and Rainy River.
Superior North EMS Chief Wayne Gates believes this service will help people across Northwestern Ontario.
“I’m very happy this has been brought here,” says Gates. “I’ve talked to my paramedic counterparts in British Columbia and they have been very impressed with what the app has done and the lives it has been saving out there, so as a paramedic chief I’m very happy this app has come to our area.”
Opioid overdoses have been on the rise in Ontario, especially over the past five years.
“I believe in Northern Ontario our rates are even higher than in Southern Ontario,” mentions Gates. “I know from my paramedics and the calls we’re doing, we’re going daily to these calls. It’s hard, especially when there’s a loss of life.” mentions Gates, “It’s tragic to see these types of things happen and to have an app that can help prevent some of these situations from occurring, I think that’s good news.”
Chief Gates goes on to say he likes how the app also offers resources, such as connection to crises lines or support services.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario reported more than 2,000 opioid related deaths in 2020, which is a 59 per cent increase from 2019.
The Lifeguard Digital Health app is currently a pilot project in Northwestern Ontario.
You will need a phone and Wi-Fi to be able to access the app.
The app has saved 33 lives since being launched in British Columbia.
