Pemberton Festival to have drug overdose strategy in place

Jul 14 2016, 12:55 am

Following the overdose death of a Regina man in 2014, Pemberton Festival has put procedures in place to treat drug overdoses.

In an email to Daily Hive, the festival says they have  once again enlisted the services of Dr. Sam Gutman – also know as the “RockDoc” – who will provide a team of trauma doctors, nurses and first responders who are well-versed in recognizing and treating fentanyl overdoses. They’ve enlisted his help every year for the past three years.

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Pemberton Festival will also work with Karmik and Safe Haven to provide a safe space for intoxicated attendees who need somewhere to go.

Illicit drugs are still banned from festival grounds, but the festival is aiming to create “an atmosphere of cooperation and trust” so people will seek help if they need it. An amnesty box will be available for people to deposit their drugs prior to entering the festival grounds.

The Pemberton Festival kicks off on Thursday.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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