(Prince Albert Police Service/Facebook)

By Susan McNeil

Overdose

Emergency services seeing spike in overdoses

May 9, 2024 | 9:39 AM

A health alert has been issued by the province as the number of overdoses in Prince Albert and area reached eight.

The SHA issued the alert and said that in at least one of the cases, carfentanil is suspected and that person took drugs by IV. Wapehton First Nation is also incuded in the alert.

Carfentanil is an opioid used in veterinary medicine for animals like elephants and rhinoceroses.

In a news release issued Thursday morning, Prince Albert Police said medical personnel administered naloxone four times overnight. Parkland Ambulance said that was a low number.

“I can say that in the last 24 hours, our paramedics have responded to six incidents where naloxone has been used by our paramedics. That’s an unusually high number,” said Lyle Karasiuk.

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“Something in the supply – and I used that word loosely – is tainted. That’s usually what it means to us as paramedics when we see a really sharp spike.”

Residents are also reminded that all un-prescribed drug use is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.

Symptoms of overdose include slow or no breathing, gurgling, gasping or snoring, clammy cool skin and blue lips or nails.

Anyone who suspects someone may be overdosing should administer naloxone if it is available and call 9-1-1.

READ MORE: This is not the first time illegal drug use has caused clusters of overdoses.

Emergency responders, including police officers, carry naloxone, which temporarily reduces the effects of opioids.

People may not know they are ingesting fentanyl. Dealers have been adding the opioid to meth as a way in intensify the high. Whatever is in Prince Albert right now is exceptionally dangerous.

People who call 911 to report suspected drug overdoses are given some legal protection from prosecution.

If you are going to be around someone who takes illicit drugs, take-home naloxone kits are available at many locations, including most pharmacies.

Police say that getting dangerous illicit drugs off the street is a top priority. People with information about drug trafficking in your area can report it to the PA Police Service at 306-953-4222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.p3tips.com/248.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com