The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) says fentanyl branded as “Purple”is suspected to be linked to the increase in local overdoses.
This week the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP seized a large quantity of suspected purple fentanyl and arrested a 39-year-old from Pembroke.
The health unit is reminding residents that drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as fentanyl or carfentanil and even a very small amount of these substances can cause an overdose.
The health unit says if you’re going to use drugs, don’t use alone, don’t mix drugs, go slow, carry Naloxone/Narcan and know your tolerance.
Some signs of an overdose could include slow breathing, fingernails and lips turning blue, loss of consciousness and not able to wake up, deep snoring or gurgling sounds, pinpoint (tiny) pupils and limp body.
If you suspect someone is having an overdose you should call 911 and if possible give naloxone and CPR. The OPP says the good samaritan drug overdose act protects individuals who are worried about getting into trouble with the law because they may have drugs, are violating release or parole conditions. The good samaritan drug overdose act can protect you from certain charges if you experience or witness an overdose and call 911 for help.
View #RCDHU's media release regarding fentanyl branded as "purple", which has been linked to increases in overdoses locally and in other areas of Ontario. If you suspect an overdose is occurring, call 911 and if possible, give naloxone and CPR. pic.twitter.com/MUO4b7gijs
— Renfrew County and District Health Unit (@RCDHealthUnit) June 19, 2020
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