Street drugs at risk of being laced with fentanyl continues to be a major problem facing Saskatchewan RCMP.
The Kindersley detachment made headlines last week after reports of seven fentanyl-related calls for service since April. The Saskatchewan RCMP media team shared the news late last Friday that of the seven overdoses, a trio were fatal claiming the lives of three adult males.
West Central Online reached out to Staff Sergeant Kevin Peterson with the Kindersley RCMP to give a statement on the matter.
"Illicit drugs are certainly not just a big city concern. (They) impact communities all across Saskatchewan, both big and small."
Peterson shared a bit more on the reporting process.
"(We notify) the public and communities across the province when our local detachments respond to reports of multiple overdoses within a short period of time, once specific concerns are identified. We did this in the Kindersley area recently."
RCMP social media channels also make an effort to get the unfortunate news out. An increased level of awareness can only improve things.
The report certainly got the public talking, but in that discussion there was some confusion around actually confirming the an overdose's cause. Autopsies and toxicology are another stringent process.
"This is something that the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, they determine the cause of death, and they release public reports on the confirmed and suspected drug toxicology deaths in Saskatchewan. Those are available online."
Perhaps the biggest piece of the conversation, Peterson wanted to share what to do in the case of an overdose to prevent any of these prior steps from ever being necessary.
"They should know how to recognize an overdose." said Peterson as someone experiencing one may show signs and symptoms that include:
- slow, weak, or no breathing at all;
- blue lips or nails;
- dizziness and confusion;
- can't be woken up;
- drowsiness, difficulty staying awake
- gurgling, choking, snoring sounds
"The public needs to know that an overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one call 911 immediately."
Emergency responders including RCMP members such as Peterson all carry naloxone kits, a fast acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.
Naloxone kits (File Photo)The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing the overdose.
"The act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives."
The Kindersley RCMP never like to report overdoses. Their hope is that the increased awareness around the topic can help save lives, and ultimately allow those at risk of overdosing a chance to be safe without consequence should the worst take place.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
