Peterborough Public Health Issues Alert After Increase In Suspected Drug Poisonings
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning after an increase in suspected drug poisonings on Monday.
File Photo.
On Saturday, PPH received reports of a bad batch of drugs circulating in Peterborough and Peterborough County. PPH suspects to be the result of an opiate product that is purple in colour and has an increased level of toxicity. They have issued a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harm to the community as a result of these reports.
PPH reminds the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even small amounts of a tainted drug can be fatal.
If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:
Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.
If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.
Avoid mixing drugs.
Test your drug by using a small amount first.
Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.
PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:
Skin is cold and clammy
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
Body is very limp
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
