The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning that a dangerous strain of fentanyl is circulating in southern Saskatchewan, including the Moose Jaw and Swift Current areas. It seems to be resistant to naloxone, which is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids. This new fentanyl strain doesn’t look any different for other strains.
Inspector Jeff Smoliak, from the RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team says, “While we can confirm Saskatchewan RCMP has responded to reports of overdoses – including fatal ones – in southern Saskatchewan in the past few months, we are unable to provide a total, or confirm which were potentially caused by this fentanyl strain.”
He also points out that police don’t respond to every overdose that occurs in any given area. Only the Saskatchewan Coroners Service can confirm that an overdose caused a death, and which drugs contributed to it. Inspector Smoliak says the source and composition of the potentially-lethal drug is under active investigation, but this strain is particularly alarming because if you take it and experience an overdose, it may be irreversible.
What you need to know in the case of an overdose:
-Have a safe plan in place. Don’t use alone. Let someone you trust know of your plans to use.
-Know the signs – someone experiencing an overdose may show signs and symptoms that include:
Slow, weak or no breathing
Blue lips or nails
Dizziness and confusion
Can’t be woken up
Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
-Know what to do when an overdose occurs. An overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one, call 911 immediately.
-Use naloxone. While naloxone-resistant fentanyl is circulating, it is still recommended that it’s administered to someone experiencing an overdose. Members of the public can keep naloxone on hand if they or someone they know is at risk of overdose. The Government of Saskatchewan offers a ‘take home naloxone’ kit available free of charge at many locations in the province. Naloxone can also be purchased at the Saskatchewan pharmacies on this list.
-You have some legal protection if you call for help. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.
-There is help available. If you want to quit using drugs, there are services available to support you. To find services near you, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions. You can also call the Province of Saskatchewan’s HealthLine at 811.
