Most Illinois opioid-overdose deaths occur in homes, hotels, abandoned properties
‘If we really want to save peoples’ lives, we can’t wait until they get to the hospital’
Researchers analyzed 2,833 opioid-involved overdose deaths in Illinois.
More than 75% of people in Illinois who die from an opioid overdose do so before emergency personnel can make it to the overdose scene, a new Northwestern Medicine study found. These deaths occur in peoples’ homes, hotels, public spaces or abandoned properties.
“If we really want to save peoples’ lives, we can’t wait until Emergency Medical Services arrive at the overdose scene,” said corresponding author Joe Feinglass, research professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.