“We continue to escalate our response to save more lives in the face of a drug supply on the streets that is more toxic and dangerous than ever before,” says Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “This latest version of the app includes several important new features to meet the unique needs of people using the app and help prevent more tragic overdose deaths.”
With feedback from experts in the field, including people with lived and living experience, the Lifeguard App now includes options such as extending the alarm time up to five minutes from the previous one minute. There are now a number of additional features such as links to 811 for medical advice, Suicide Line, and to a crisis line to talk to
someone if someone is feeling overwhelmed.
If the alarm goes to the activation screen, which often means the user is unresponsive and unable to turn off the alarm, the app now has SAVE ME steps, including CPR instructions, as well as the first name of the user and the drug they took so a nearby person can step in and assist before the ambulance arrives.
“PHSA and our partners in government and other health authorities are committed to finding innovative solutions to address the ongoing overdose crisis,” said Susan Wannamaker, PHSA’s Executive Vice President of Clinical Service Delivery. “The Lifeguard App has already saved lives and these additional features will mean even more effective help and hope for those affected.”
According to Neil Lilley, BC Emergency Health Services project lead, “While BC Ambulance paramedics and their firefighter first responder partners are often first on the scene, every minute counts so building in features that will instruct someone nearby until we get there can make the difference between life and death.”
“This app was designed to prevent overdose deaths, and we realize there are many factors that take people to that stage in their lives, so we’re trying to add more pathways to recovery for the person who is using drugs,” says Jeff Hardy, CEO of Lifeguard Digital Health.
- The LifeGuard App is already saving lives.
- By mid-August, 1,700 people had used the Lifeguard App, and the total number of app sessions is more than 5,000 (5,200 uses).
- Out of these, a 9-1-1 call to our BCEHS emergency medical dispatchers has occurred at least 12 times.
- In some of these cases, our dispatch staff was able to speak to the user and confirm they were OK.
- In five cases, however the person using the App was non-responsive - and BCEHS sent paramedics to revive them and take them to hospital.
- These include 2 patients in the Okanagan, and 3 in the Lower Mainland.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us on Twitter @PHSAofBC.
Lifeguard Digital Health creates digital health solutions (applications) that reduce harm, prevent involuntary deaths, and improve quality of life. The company integrates technology innovations on its evan platform, including artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), permission blockchain, and informatics. Complying with the highest levels of security and privacy regulations, it works closely with health authorities and emergency health services. For more information, please visit www.lifeguarddh.com.
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Provincial Health Services Authority and BC Emergency Health Services
Media Line: 778 867 7472
LifeGuard Digital Health
Media Line: 778 823 0040
