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December 18, 2019 - 2:54 PM
Interior Health Authority has issued a drug alert for the Salmon Arm area.
The alert issued yesterday, Dec. 17, states a white powder substance found in two separate drug samples in November has been confirmed as containing carfentanil, fentanyl, heroin and caffeine.
Carfentanil is an extremely toxic opioid linked with many fatalities in B.C., the alert says.
Interior Health officials are recommending individuals to avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together, don't use alone, leave your door unlocked, and ask someone to check on you. You can also test beforehand by using a small amount and going slow. Officials also recommend carrying a Naloxone kit or using at an overdose prevention or supervised consumption site if there is one near you.
The signs of an overdose include slow or no breathing, gurgling, gasping, lips or fingertips turning blue, difficult to awaken and non-responsive.
If you see these signs, call 911 immediately and give naloxone if you can.
Naloxone kits and training are available at the Salmon Arm Mental Health and Substance Use Centre at 431 Hudson St. NE, the Salmon Arm Health Centre 851 16th St. NE and Askew’s Pharmacy located at 2701 11 Ave. NE.
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