Health unit issues alert after suspected drug poisonings

By Cecilia Nasmith

Lakelands Public Health is issuing an alert due to a notable increase in suspected drug poisonings in Northumberland County.

The substance involved is suspected to be fentanyl, and appears as a light-brown colour with a lighter colour inside. It may smell like motor oil prior to being heated, and may have an unusual texture. Due to the toxicity of the substance, more than one dose of naloxone may be required to reverse a toxic dose.

It is important to be aware that the unregulated drug supply may be contaminated with other substances. Naloxone should be used in all suspected drug overdoses, due to the possibility of opioid contamination or poisoning. Free Naloxone kits are available at all Lakelands Public Health offices and participating pharmacies.

Signs of an opioid overdose may include very small pupils, slow or no breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple fingernails or lips, snoring or gurgling sounds, heavy sedation and difficulty being woken up.

Anyone who sees a person experiencing a drug poisoning is urged to intervene – call 911, administer Naloxone, and start rescue breathing or chest compressions. The Good Samaritan Act protects anyone trying to help in an emergency from possible legal repercussions. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act also protects those on the scene of an overdose from being charged for using or possessing drugs for personal use.

The health unit recommends the following harm-reduction practices.

Keep multiple Naloxone kits on hand.

Test a small amount of the drug before you use it.

Use new supplies, and access needle disposal bins to reduce harms associated with substance use.

Call the National Overdose Response Service for virtual safe consumption at 1-888--

668-NORS, or use a buddy system and call a friend.

Call 911 if an overdose is suspected.

Call or text the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline or an emotional-distress hotline if needed.

Remember that substance-use counselling and treatments are offered through Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics and the Four Counties Addiction Services Team.

To anonymously report drug poisonings and drug-related information to assist in a more effective response, please use the health unit's on-line submission form for the appropriate region.

For more information on opioids and Naloxone, visit LakelandsPH.ca/naloxone