Bracebridge OPP is cautioning the public about the potential of a deadly outcome when handling or consuming opioids such as fentanyl.
Fentanyl is an extremely potent, synthetic opioid, up to 100 times more potent than morphine or heroin, originally prescribed by physicians to manage acute and chronic pain, according to police.
"Illicit fentanyl, made available through the illegal drug trade, is potentially lethal and unpredictable as the potency is often unknown. It can be found in forms ranging from powder to chunks, and colours ranging from white, blue, purple, red, green, pink and brown," OPP stated in a news release.
"Drug dealing is a dirty business and the illicit drug trade carries a high risk of cross-contamination. Not only is the potency of illicit fentanyl unpredictable, if a person's drug of choice is unexpectedly contaminated with fentanyl, it can kill them," the release added.
Police advise people who are choosing to use illicit drugs to not do so while alone.
"If a person is experiencing an overdose, they are not in a condition to save themselves," police say.
People are encouraged to have Naloxone on hand. Naloxone is a drug that blocks opioid actions and is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. The World Health Organisation refers to Naloxone as "an essential medicine that can save lives in opioid overdose situations."
Naloxone can only be effective if the medical situation is caused by an opioid, however it will not cause harm if administered to a person whose issue is related to a non-opioid experience. Naloxone is available at any pharmacy, or through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and is free of charge.
After Naloxone is administered and a person is revived, police say there is a chance that the person may go back into an overdose, so it is important to call 9-1-1 to ensure that adequate medical care is provided.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) became law in 2017, the purpose of which is to reduce fear of police attending overdose events and encourage people to seek life-saving assistance. The GSDOA protects individuals from charges for simple possession of controlled substances in these circumstances.
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
- Trouble breathing or no breathing;
- Extreme drowsiness;
- Pale and clammy skin;
- Slow or no heartbeat;
- Passing out;
- Unable to be woken up;
- Pinpoint pupils.
Bracebridge OPP works with community partners including the Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka Parry Sound (CMHAMPS), the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), Muskoka EMS and many agencies supporting people with mental health and/or substance use disorders. The Muskoka Drug Strategy is a local collaboration led by the SMDHU, whose goal is to provide connections and education to members of the public.
Information on a variety of topics related to opioid use and the supports available for both individuals and families can be found at https://mps.cmha.ca. If you are looking for further support for a youth in your life, you may connect with https://www.mindaidmuskoka.com or https://kidshelpphone.ca.
