The Yorkton RCMP is warning the public about the dangers of fentanyl after the drug was seized during a traffic stop in the city on May 25. Analysis by Health Canada has revealed that the substances known as fentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl and heroin were found in drugs seized during the incident.
Two individuals were charged following the incident, Linda Becker, 50, and Frederick Charles Severight, 29.
Due to fentanyl being found in the drugs seized during the traffic stop, the RCMP wants the public to be aware of the signs of opioid overdose in order to help save lives if they come across someone who has taken fentanyl, either knowingly or unknowingly. Those signs include blue lips or nails, dizziness or confusion, difficulty waking, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, slow, weak or no breathing and drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.
If someone encounters someone they believe has suffered from an opioid overdose, they need to call 911, administer naxolone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.
The RCMP is also recommending that people get naxolone kits if they know someone who is taking opioids.
“In the event of an overdose, using naloxone can save lives; even in the case of an opioid that has been mixed with a non-opioid. Take Home Naloxone (THN) kits are available for free to people at risk of an overdose and those in the community that interact frequently with those at risk,” said Gary Shepherd, Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services in Yorkton in a release.
Those kits are available in the region at Stepping Stone Wellness Clinic - 306-542-1968, Kamsack Hospital, 341 Stewart Street, Kamsack and Turning Point Program - 306-786-0637, 345 Broadway St. West, Yorkton.
The kits also come with training for people who either are at risk themselves or believe they may witness an overdose.
Naxolone is also available for purchase at pharmacies in the province.
Addiction counsellors are also available to provide support and treatment options by contacting 1-888-989-8444.
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