The Government of Saskatchewan has launched an awareness campaign to prevent deaths from opioid overdoses.
The goal of the campaign is to teach people to know the signs of an opioid overdoses. Those signs include shallow breathing, an inability to wake up, trouble walking or talking, pinpoint pupils, seizures, slow heartbeat and blue or clammy skin.
They also encourage people to get a take home Naxolone kit, especially if they are in a home where opiates are being used. While the Naxolone kit is recommended to help someone who is having an overdose, people are encouraged to call 911 if an overdose takes place for immediate medical attention.
Naxolone kits include the drug itself, two safety syringes, two alcohol swabs, two non-latex gloves, a one-way rescue breathing barrier mask and a guide for steps to respond to an overdose.
“An opioid overdose can happen to anyone, whether the drugs were obtained legally or illegally. It is important to know the signs of an opioid overdose and how you can prevent one from becoming fatal,” said Health Minister Jim Reiter in a release.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act of 2017 does provide protection for people who call emergency services in the event of an overdose, even if illegal drugs are on the scene. The act protects people from charges of possession of a controlled substance, as well as breach of conditions which stem from a possession charge.
In Yorkton, take home Naxolone kits can be picked up for free at the Turning Point Program at SIGN on Broadway. According to a list provided by the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan, kits can also be purchased at the following local pharmacies: Louck’s Medi-health Pharmacy, Pharmasave Yorkton, Save-on-Foods, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Superstore and Yorkton Pharmacy. Locations outside of Yorkton that offer Naxolone kits can be found at saskatchewan.ca/opioids.
