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Jury Issues 10 Recommendations After UVic Student's Fentanyl Overdose Death

The coroner’s inquest calls for education reforms, enhanced campus safety measures, and harm reduction strategies to address systemic failures exposed by Sidney McIntyre-Starko’s death.

Sidney McIntyre-Starko was only 18 years old when she died of a fentanyl overdose.
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An expert in emergency medicine told the B.C. coroner's inquest into the death of Sidney McIntyre-Starko that the software used by B.C. 911 operators takes too long to recommend life-saving CPR.

Overview

  • The jury at the inquest recommended mandatory CPR, AED, and naloxone training in high schools, alongside drug education programs for students and parents.
  • Post-secondary institutions are urged to improve emergency response by adding unique campus addresses, door maps, and annual security training.
  • CCTV installation in public campus areas, such as bus loops, is advised to enhance safety and evidence collection capabilities.
  • Students should attend mandatory presentations on emergency response, the drug crisis, and accessing safe drug supply testing services without fear of repercussions.
  • Recommendations also include updating emergency dispatch systems and software to reduce delays in locating incidents on campuses.