Saskatchewan RCMP are warning the public that a dangerous strain of fentanyl is circulating in southern Saskatchewan - including the Moose Jaw and Swift Current areas.
The RCMP's Crime Reduction Team and Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team believe this new strain does not look different from other circulating strains but it may be resistant to naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.
While the RCMP has confirmed a number of overdoses, including fatal ones, in southern Saskatchewan over the past few months, it is unknown how many have been caused by this new strain.
The RCMP are sharing tips if you and someone you know is using opioids:
- Have a safe plan in place. Don't use alone and let someone trusted know of your plans to use.
- Know the signs if someone is experiencing an overdose. Those could include slow, weak or no breathing, blue lips or nails, dizziness and confusion, can't be woken up, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds and drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.
- Know what to do when an overdose occurs. An overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one, call 911 immediately.
- Use naloxone. It is still recommended that it be administered to someone experiencing an overdose.
- You have legal protection if you call for help. Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, there is legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.
- Help is available. You can find services at www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions or you can call Healthline 811.
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