An increase in drug overdoses, especially in Northumberland County, has prompted health officials to issue an “alert” about taking drugs.
The alert is in response to a recent rise in people being treated for overdoses in area hospitals, especially in Northumberland County.
Contributing factors for these local overdoses may include people using alone or a potentially contaminated or poisoned drug supply that is leading to more severe overdose reactions.
“The recent overdoses we’re seeing are not concentrated in any one area of the Health Unit’s region, and are not limited to any one age group,” says Catherine MacDonald, the Substances and Harm Reduction Coordinator with the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
MacDonald adds, “What the latest numbers suggest is that no matter where, no matter when, no matter who, it’s important to be safe whether you, or someone you know, is using opioids or drugs.”
The Health unit also advises to test a small amount of drug before you use, and avoid mixing drugs.
And keep a naloxone kit on hand.
Naloxone is an emergency medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose until the victim can get to hospital for treatment.
The Health Unit also encourages people to intervene if they see someone who is overdosing.
Call 911 and give the person naloxone.
MacDonald notes the Good Samaritan Act protects anyone trying to help in an emergency from possible legal repercussions. (www.ontario.ca/naloxone).
The Health Unit also provides these additional safety tips:
- Test a small amount of drug before you use.
- Call 911 in the event of an overdose.
- Avoid mixing your drugs.
- Keep a naloxone kit on hand. You can get a naloxone kit at most pharmacies and needle exchange sites.
Signs of an overdose include very large or very small pupils, slow or no breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple fingernails or lips, and snoring or gurgling sounds. Often in drug overdoses, it is also difficult to wake up the person.
