Officials announce the Alberta-wide expansion of the DORS app on June 8, 2022. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Opioids

Overdose prevention app now available across Alberta

Jun 8, 2022 | 5:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has expanded the availability of the Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) app.

DORS is a confidential, anonymous, and professional program that will dispatch emergency medical services if the user becomes unresponsive.

Those using intoxicating substances can turn the app on and will have to respond to a timer.

If they fail to respond to the timer, the user will receive a phone call from the STARS emergency centre. If an overdose is suspected, STARS will immediately dispatch an ambulance to the person’s location.

Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, believes that the DORS app will help to save lives.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“More than 70 per cent of opioid-related fatalities happen at home,” says Ellis. “The Digital Overdose Response System will help prevent fatalities for people who are using opioids at home. If you are in Alberta, use the DORS app when using opioids and other substances, especially when using alone.”

Until now, DORS could only be utilized in Alberta’s Central and North Health Zones. It is now available in all areas of the province.

To date, DORS has been downloaded over 900 times to more than 440 registered users. The province says there have been “numerous” successful EMS dispatches as a result of the app’s use.

Darren Sandbeck, Chief Paramedic with Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services, says he is encouraged by the numbers so far and hopes to see if grow the province-wide expansion.

“Opioid use is a serious concern in our province, and AHS EMS is here to help save lives of those who experience opioid poisonings. The expansion of the DORS app will further allow us to save lives of those who use opioids, and those who use them alone and may not be able to call us for help.”

This summer, the Alberta government will launch an ad campaign to raise awareness about DORS.

The app can be downloaded for free on iOS devices under the name “Digital Overdose Response,” and on the Google Play Store under the name “DORS.”