Suspected Drug Poisonings Reported By Peterborough Public Health
/Peterborough Public Health issued a warning today, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend.
Between Friday and Saturday, Peterborough Public Health detected increases in drug related Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service.
During this period, there were eight Emergency Department Visits and seven Paramedic Calls for Service, representing a total of 13 unique incidents.
In the last week (April 25-May 1), there were 10 drug-related Emergency Department visits and 10 Paramedic Calls for Service. This increase has prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms in the community.
If you use drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:
Avoid using drugs alone
If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677
Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you o Avoid mixing drugs o Test your drug by using a small amount first
Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered
Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:
Skin is cold and clammy
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
Body is very limp
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small