Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Warning
Written by Comms Team, April 5, 2022
Public Asked to Help Prevent Overdoses
Today Peterborough Public Health issued an alert regarding an increase in suspected drug poisonings locally.
“Peterborough Public Health detected an increase in Paramedic Calls for Service,” explained Dr. Piggott. “In the past two days, there have been ten opioid-related paramedic calls for service. Reports gathered from partners indicates that this may be due to purple-coloured fentanyl. This increase has prompted us to proceed with issuing a public alert in the hopes of preventing further harms in the community.”
Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:
- Do not use drugs alone.
- If you using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
- Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
- Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.
- Avoid mixing drugs.
- Test your drug by using a small amount first.
- Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.
“You are at greatest risk when you are using alone,” explained Dr. Piggott. “If you are using drugs right now, it is critical that you take action to stay safe. Use with a friend and do not use at the same time. You can also ask someone to check in on you or call the National Overdose Prevention Service at 1-888-688-6677.”
Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:
- Skin is cold and clammy;
- Fingernails or lips are blue or purple;
- Body is very limp;
- Cannot wake the person up;
- Deep snoring or gurgling sounds;
- Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped; and/or
- Pupils are very small.
- If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.
- Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
Peterborough Public Health is also encouraging members of the public to use the recently launched ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. This tool is an anonymous survey to report overdose incidents and harms in the community. Any information shared through the survey supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing overdoses in the Peterborough Area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.
For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.
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For further information, please contact:
Jocelyn Qualtrough
Health Promoter, Substance Misuse Program
705-991-0394