Ministry of Health issues overdose alert after two drug deaths in P.A.

Two deaths believed to be linked to toxic drugs in Prince Albert have prompted an overdose alert from Saskatchewan’s health ministry.

According to the alert, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service reported two deaths within 24 hours on Saturday. The substances that led to the deaths have not yet been conclusively identified but were reported to be fentanyl, oxycontin or morphine.

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The drugs, which are either smoked or injected, appear as “white substance, powder substance in glass vials,” or a “brown substance referred to as ‘resin,’” the ministry said.

“These fatalities indicate a higher risk of overdose and death from drugs in the Prince Albert area,” the ministry noted.

The ministry advised drug users to reduce their risks of overdosing by getting a take-home Naloxone kit and using drug-checking services or tools.

What can I do if I see an overdose?

People can call 911 if they are alone, and having a naloxone kit can also help.

Naloxone is used to treat overdoses for drugs like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and hydrocodone, but Praire Harm Reduction has said it has not been effective in all cases in the latest Saskatoon overdose spike because benzos are involved.

The Saskatchewan government provides free Naloxone kits and training on how to administer it to anyone at risk of an opioid overdose, as well as to anyone who might witness an overdose. The training also covers overdose prevention, recognition and response.

A list of places where the free kits are available can be found here. Emergency departments across the province also carry the kits, and they can be purchased at some pharmacies as well.”

Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act offers some legal protection and applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including any person experiencing an overdose.

The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives. The Act also protects anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.

Symptoms of an overdose may include but are not limited to:

• slow or no breathing
• gurgling
• gasping or snoring
• clammy and cool skin
• blue lips or nails
• difficulty waking up or staying awake