The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is issuing an alert due to a notable increase in suspected opioid drug poisonings in Northumberland County.
The HKPR District Health Unit’s Drug Poisoning Opioid Overdose Alert early warning and surveillance system automatically flags increases in drug poisoning overdoses which triggers enhanced outreach efforts and distribution of naloxone kits and harm reduction supplies from first responders and community partners.
It is important to be aware that the unregulated drug supply may be contaminated with other substances.
Naloxone should be used in all suspected drug overdoses due to the possibility of opioid contamination or poisoning. Free Naloxone kits are available at Health Unit offices, local pharmacies, and other locations.
Signs of an opioid overdose include very small pupils, slow or no breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple fingernails or lips, and snoring or gurgling sounds. People may experience heavy sedation and it may be difficult to wake them up.
Anyone who sees a person overdosing is urged to intervene. Call 911, give the person naloxone, and start rescue breathing and, or chest compressions.
