Page 6 - Sports Energey News - Issue No 99, Cornwall, Mike Piquette

6 Issue #99 March 2021 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cakes & MORE ...Simply Delicious!
• Custom Cakes
• Fresh Baked Goods
• Sandwich & Dessert Platters
• Don’t forget our lunches to go!
EASTCOURT MALL

2nd Street, Cornwall • 613-936-6069

911 Checking In with Our First Responders

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

By Randy Lalonde

Racing Against Drugs
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our normal lifestyles have been interrupted. Public health measures like social
distancing and lockdown have caused, among other issues, isolation, supply chain disruptions, and increased
risk of substance abuse.

Social isolation can act negatively on physical act as depressants slow brain activity and can lead to respiratory arrest.
and mental well-being. It can lead to anxiety, fear, Paramedics deal with overdose from opioids using naloxone (Narcan),
anger, and depression. These emotions are normal. which temporarily blocks the effects of opioids, but it only acts on opioids
However, when regular coping methods, especially those and has limitations of effectiveness. For instance, benzodiazepines are not
that involve social contact are not available, alternatives might involve the affected by Narcan and opioids can outlive the positive effects of Narcan,
use or increased use of drugs, including alcohol. As humans, we tend to act leading to a second episode of overdose.
on two premises: avoid pain or gain pleasure. Drugs insidiously capitalize As a paramedic, I can attempt to explain most deaths I see. People die
on both fronts, leading to increased risk of addiction and overdose. tragically in car crashes, they die of terminal illnesses at all ages, and
Supply chain interruptions have not only affected the availability of building hopefully, our elders are blessed to pass with honour and dignity of natural
materials and PPE. With the restrictions at the international borders, causes. However, with overdose deaths, I struggle to understand. Together,
traditional street drugs are no longer as readily available. Drugs with slang we will get through this historic pandemic. The isolation and supply chain
names such as Purple and Orange K are now common. At the best of times, concerns will correct themselves. But we will have to work harder with
there is no quality control with street drugs, and it’s worse now. It is only a overdose and prevention is key. Racing Against Drugs is a great example
guess as to what they contain. Most are made up of some form of synthetic of a prevention strategy through early education. COVID-19 will alter
opioid (Fentanyl), sometimes mixed with Benzodiazepines (Valium); both our normal delivery of that program this year. We will pivot to a virtual
are depressants that can have devastating effects on the user. platform for this program on May 12 and/or 13.
From 2019 to 2020, opioid overdose in our region has risen at a rate If you find yourself or someone else in crisis, you don’t have to be alone –
approaching 400%, resulting in too many deaths. I’ve spoken with many we will give you a safe place. Call 911 before, rather than after. Give us a
of my colleagues who state that the rate of overdose calls they were chance to understand and to help. Don’t add to our stats.
accustomed to seeing annually is now what they see monthly. Drugs that Stay real.

Cornwall Fire Services

with Chief Jeff Weber

The open-air burning season starts on May 1.
Before you can enjoy a campfire in your yard, you will need a permit from Cornwall Fire Services.
Property owners must have 7.5m of space between their designated burning area and any combustible item. This in-
cludes, but is not limited to buildings, structures, property lines, trees, hedges, fences, roadways, and overhead wires.
Once your permit is approved, you are expected to burn safely by following these by-law regulations:
• Your fire must not be larger than 45cm long, wide, or high.
• You may only burn clean, cured, seasoned hard wood. You may not burn noxious materials and yard waste.
• Keep a rake or shovel and water or sand nearby to put out your fire.
• Burning may only take place from May 1 to September 30, between 6 p.m. and midnight.
• You may not burn if it is rainy or foggy, if a smog alert is in effect, or if a burn ban is in effect.
For more information, and to apply for your permit, visit www.Cornwall.ca/openairburn .
What do you do if you have clean wood and brush to dispose of, but aren’t eligible for an open-air burn permit? The City’s leaf and yard
waste contractor picks up branches (bundled in pieces 3 feet or smaller) during specific waste collection days in the spring, summer, and
fall. Visit www.Cornwall.ca/leafandyard for the schedule.
To report an illegal burn or a nuisance burn, call the Cornwall Police Service’s non-emergency line at 613-932-2110 ext. 3.
Please burn responsibly.