Lambton Public Health (LPH) has sounded the alarm over a surge in suspected opioid-related overdoses and fatalities.
The community is urged to exercise extreme caution when using opioids or any non-prescribed drugs. The advisory, issued on Friday (February 2) outlines crucial actions to prevent opioid-related poisonings.
To mitigate risks, individuals are advised not to mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs, avoid using alone, be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose, and carry a Naloxone kit.
Recognizing the symptoms of opioid toxicity is crucial, including difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake, blue or grey lips/nails, very small pupils, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, confusion, extreme drowsiness, unusual sounds like choking or snoring, slow or no breathing, and the inability to wake up even when shaken or shouted at.
Lambton Public Health has free Naloxone kits at their offices, many local pharmacies, and partnering agencies, including Community Health Centres. In the unfortunate event of a suspected opioid overdose, call 911, and stay at the scene to provide information to paramedics, administer Naloxone if available – the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
