The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) and the local Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are alerting residents about a small cluster of suspected overdose-related deaths that have happened over the last week in the region.
Specific substance(s) related to the overdoses haven’t been verified, but all street drugs must be considered highly toxic and potentially fatal.
The RCDHU has advice it believes prudent to follow:
Don’t use alone.
Carry naloxone, which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose; kits are available for free at local pharmacies and other locations.
Don’t mix drugs with other drugs or alcohol.
If you are using street drugs, start by using in small amounts in a test dose.
Know your tolerance; risk of overdose increases if you have not used in 3 or more days.
Use a phone buddy. Call the Overdose Prevention Hotline 1-888-688-6677 to have someone standing
by to call for help if needed.
Understanding the signs of an overdose can help to save a life. These include, Person can’t be woken up.
Breathing is slow or has stopped. You hear snoring or gurgling sounds.
Fingernails and lips turn blue or purple; pupils are tiny or the eyes are rolled back.
Their body is limp.
All overdoses are a medical emergency and calling 911 is critical.
The Health Unit has an anonymous online Overdose Reporting Form, you can fill out when time allows.
By Rick Stow
