Naloxone with needle and kit in background.
Image Credit: FILE PHOTO
November 15, 2019 - 5:05 PM
Penticton drug users are being urged to exercise caution in the wake of a recent increase in suspected drug overdoses in the area.
Interior Health is reporting a rise in the number of opioid overdoses in the Penticton community after people have used what was believed to be a stimulant or upper, such as amphetamines or methamphetamines.
Anyone using illegal drugs is advised to take steps to reduce the risk:
For safety sake:
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Get your drugs checked for the presence of fentanyl available at the SOWINS (South Okanagan Women in Need Society) mobile outreach van. Call or text (250) 809-7054. For more information visit: www.drugchecking.ca
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Remember, smoking substances can still lead to overdose, take measures to prevent overdose.
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Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.
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Don’t use alone. Leave the door unlocked. Tell someone to check on you.
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Test by using a small amount, then go slow.
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Carry a Naloxone kit and know how to use it.
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Use at overdose prevention or supervised consumption site if one is near you. Know the signs of overdose and how to respond
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Recognize the signs of an OD: slow or no breathing, gurgling or gasping, lips/fingertips turning blue, difficult to rouse (awaken), non-responsive.
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Call 9-1-1 immediately
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Open airway and give rescue breaths
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Give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it.
For more resources and links related to overdose and substance use visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/Leadership/MHO/Pages/PHEmergency.aspx.
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