THUNDER BAY — Technology is improving for city police when processing suspected drunk drivers.
Officers with Thunder Bay Police Service are being trained to use two new intoxylizer machines, which will be used to test drivers who have been arrested for suspicion of driving intoxicated.
Not only do the machines look more modern, but the technology used in them is more sophisticated.
Sal Carchidi is a constable with the traffic unit and is one of the course administrators.
Police from across the region have participated in the new training since October, including city police, OPP, and Treaty 3 Police officers.
"Not only are (officers) being trained on the new instrument, but they're also receiving training on impaired driving detection, as well as signs of impairment," he said.
Once training is complete this spring, there will be over 35 city police officers trained on the new devices.
Carchidi added that this will give city police more trained officers per shift who will be available to administer the tests on suspects, as the service tries not to have the arresting officer administer the test if possible.
So far this year, Thunder Bay police officers have charged 55 people for impaired driving, 26 of them are accused of drug impairment, and five are charged with refusing a test.
There were two notable incidents in March that police are shedding light on after two individuals were arrested for having concerningly high levels of alcohol in their system.
One incident occurred around 2 p.m. when police asked a suspect to provide a breath sample. Blowing over 365 mg, that individual tested at four times the legal blood-alcohol limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08 per cent).
The very next day, close to 9 p.m., another suspected impaired driver provided a breath sample of 364 mg. This driver also had an outstanding impaired driving charge before the courts that dates back to November 2024.
City police continue to be concerned for a number of reasons, including concern for public safety when there are intoxicated drivers behind the wheel. As well as for the safety of the drivers who are consuming such a high volume of alcohol.
It's widely known that alcohol affects the body in different ways, but those effects can also be long-term.
Shaylin Hakala is a public health nurse with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and is part of the injury prevention team.
She spoke to Dougall Media about alcohol and its prolonged use, and what it can do to the body and mind.
"It's going to slow down brain activity and affect our mood, as well as how we move, think, and react," she said.
"Even small amounts can impair our motor control, coordination, balance, and decision making. (This) increases our risk for injury, which is what makes it so dangerous when it comes to driving or operating machinery."
Hakala added that alcohol also impairs judgement and inhibition first, which leads to riskier behaviour.
She said it's important to note that alcohol affects women differently than men.
"On average, women have more body fat and less water than men. The alcohol mixes with water in the body, so women tend to have a higher blood alcohol concentration than men after drinking the same amount because alcohol is more concentrated in women's bodies."
Alcohol poisoning is also a concern when drinking in high volumes.
Being poisoned by alcohol can vary from person to person because of their age, sex, body weight, tolerance, health status, and whether other substances are involved. There are many signs that someone is likely suffering.
Hakala indicated that common signs of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and unconsciousness.
"It's absolutely a medical emergency," she said.
"Any signs of this, like the nausea, vomiting, it's not safe to let someone sleep it off."
When it comes to the long-term effects of alcohol abuse, Hakala pointed out that alcohol can damage all sorts of systems across the body.
"Alcohol is linked to at least seven different types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. And it increases the risk of liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety."
She references the CCSA (Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction), which states that two standard drinks are considered low-risk for health-related consequences.
"Anything more than six drinks per week increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other harms, and these guidelines are based on the latest evidence to help Canadians make informed decisions," Hakala remarked.
For reference, the CCSA notes that a standard drink would be 12 ounces of beer at 5 per cent alcohol, 5 ounces of wine at 12 per cent, and 1.5 ounces of spirits at about 40 per cent.
While the use of alcohol could have detrimental effects on the body, there are also risks to the physical brain and mental health of alcohol abuse.
"Alcohol is going to affect how your brain works," the nurse explained.
"It does change your mood, behaviour, and coordination, slowing your reactions, slurring speech, and impairing judgment. So drinking heavily over time can cause brain damage and affect your thinking."
She noted there's the risk of having blackouts, which can also disrupt hormone levels. Thus affecting the body's metabolism and other bodily functions.
All of those would have domino effects on other systems in the body, she explained.
Police urge anyone who suspects a driver on the road is impaired by alcohol or drugs to immediately call 9-1-1.
