The Washington Post: Fatal overdoses often happen when users are alone. Hotlines, sensors can save lives.
“In New England, SafeSpot — which began as a Never Use Alone branch — is expanding and professionalizing under the umbrella of Boston Medical Center. Last fall, Massachusetts became the first state to fund such a line, and has now allocated more than $1 million. SafeSpot employs 34 trained operators who field calls from throughout the country and use software to alert emergency responders in a caller’s home city. Operators have summoned rescuers to 19 overdoses, director Stephen Murray said.
Recordings of calls are erased after seven days. Many callers ask that friends or family be notified first in the event of an overdose. Operators caution users on moderating doses.
“We prevent a lot of overdoses through coaching,” Murray said.”
