York Regional Police have issued a public warning about contaminants found in street drugs that could prevent the effects of Naloxone, a medication used to reverse an overdose.
This warning is in light of multiple incidents occurring on March 5 involving three opioid-related deaths within 24 hours of each other.
According to the York Regional Police statement, these three incidents involved the victims overdosing on what is believed to be fentanyl combined with other illegal substances.
In one incident, a 35-year-old Georgina man was found dead after consuming fentanyl, which included bromazolam, which is a drug that has serious side effects if misused or mixed with other illegal substances.
York Regional Police are warning the public that any street drug is considered dangerous and has the potential to be lethal. Street drugs can also include unknown substances that the user doesn’t know of, which can potentially cause more harm.
It is important to know what Naloxone is and how it works in case a situation arises where Naloxone needs to be used.
According to the Government of Canada, Naloxone is a medication that acts fast to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose. It can take effect within two minutes, and if a response to the first dose is not seen, additional doses can be given. Naloxone only works if opioids are in the person’s system.
Naloxone is available in two forms, a nasal spray and an injectable. Visit the Government of Canada website to learn how to use each of the two kits and where Naloxone is available in every province and territory. It is free in Ontario.
The signs and symptoms to look out for to detect a potential overdose are difficulty walking and talking, blue, purple, or grey lips or nails, small pupils, dizziness and confusion, no breathing and unresponsive.
In case a situation occurs when someone is currently overdosing, it’s important to stay with them and call 9-1-1 until emergency services arrive.
