The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service advised the public that since last week, officers have been seeing an increase in calls for service regarding potential opioid poisoning.
The officers are currently investigating three deaths that have occurred during this period of time.
It seems that one of the deaths happened on last Wednesday and two more have been reported a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, in each one of these occurrences, it is suspected that opioid poisoning may have contributed to the deaths of the individuals.
Early signs of opioid poisoning
Here are the early symptoms of potential opioid poisoning that you should be paying attention to:
- drowsiness
- slow heart rate
- trouble breathing
- clammy cold skin, and
- trouble walking or talking
The members of the public are constantly reminded of the dangers of opioid use and also about the fact that it is quite impossible to know exactly what illicit narcotics contain.
Officers with The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will continue to work with their partners at the Drug Strategy, according to the Sault Online official website and they will be doing their best in order to reduce the harm that’s caused by substance abuse.
The benefits of naloxone
The official website advises “friends and family members of persons known to use illicit drugs are encouraged to inform themselves about the availability and use of Naloxone. Naloxone is a safe medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opioids.:
The website also writes “If you suspect someone is experiencing opioid poisoning, and you are unsure of what they have taken, you will do no harm by giving naloxone. Side effects are extremely rare.”
People are advised to carry naloxone with them especially if they know someone who is using opioids. The kits are available at participating pharmacies across Algoma.
It seems that all Algoma Public Health offices are giving out free kits to people at risk of opioid poisoning or their friends and families so that they can help.
I have been blogging and posting articles for over eight years, but my passion for writing dates back in 2000. I am especially enthusiastic about technology, science, and health-related issues. When I’m not researching and writing the latest news, I’m either watching sci-fi and horror movies or checking out places worth visiting and building deep memories for later in life. I believe in empathy and continually improving myself.