By meadowlakeNOW

M.L. RCMP equipped with fentanyl antidote

Jun 5, 2017 | 2:48 PM

Members of the RCMP are now trained and equipped with naloxone kits, an antidote that can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids, like the increasingly prevalent fentanyl. 

Sgt. Ryan How of the Meadow Lake RCMP said all detachment members carry the naloxone spray, which is inhaled nasally and buys a person who is overdosing precious time to get to a hospital.

“Every member should have them on themselves at all times,” he said “The rollout came earlier this year.”

How added the measure is proactive; no overdoses have been reported locally thus far. He said it is important members remain prepared.

“Luckily, we haven’t had any reports, or encountered anyone on fentanyl in Meadow Lake,” How said. “But we know it is only a matter of time. Our members are trained to recognize the signs [and] symptoms of a possible fentanyl overdose and administer the kits appropriately.”

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RCMP members need to remain diligent and prepared in the case of unintended contact with these drugs, How said.

“I can say that the risk of fentanyl overdoses is very real,” he said. “There are more frequent cases of police officers being accidentally exposed to this drug. Usually, it seems it’s during an action that the officer wouldn’t expect to encounter fentanyl, such as assessing a vehicle at a traffic collision. The RCMP was quick to realize this hazard and supplied us with sufficient doses to hopefully counteract the drug long enough for EMS to take over.”

As defined on the Government of Canada website, opioids are medications that relieve pain.

“They include oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, codeine, and fentanyl,” the website states. “When used properly, they can help. But when abused, they can cause addiction, overdose and death.”

An increasing number of fentanyl-related cases have occurred in the province, according to eHealthSask. In 2015, the Saskatchewan Office of the Chief Coroner reported 91 illicit drug overdose deaths involving opioids occured. Preliminary data suggests fentanyl was detected in approximately 24 per cent of those deaths.

According to the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website, naloxone has been used in emergency settings for over 40 years in Canada. It can help restore breathing within about two to five minutes when it has been dangerously slowed or stopped due to opioid use.

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath