The Regina Police Service is repeating its warning about dangerous, illegal drugs, in the wake of five apparent drug overdoses today, including one death believed to be due to an overdose. So far, since January 1st, the Regina Police Service has gathered the following information:
Jan 1- today: 208 overdoses
Police attended: 103 (of the above total)
Narcan administered by police: 24
Confirmed fatalities due to overdose: 11
Unconfirmed fatalities: 9
The Regina Police Service is, once again, asking Regina residents to be vigilant in reporting illegal drug use and potential overdoses in our community. Success in drug trafficking investigations, on its own, is not enough to eliminate the problem of drug abuse, addiction and overdoses. Education, treatment, interventions, and supports are key elements in creating safe and healthy communities. Drug users and the people close to them are in a position to make change; the need to make change is especially urgent in the face of an increase in drug overdoses in our community.
- Recognize the risk. If you, or someone you know, uses illegal drugs – especially methamphetamine or opioids – create a safety plan to reduce harm.
- Know the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. It protects anyone who is experiencing, or anyone who is present when someone else is experiencing, a drug overdose from charges for possession of a controlled substance, when they call 9-1-1 for help. More information about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose act is available here.
- Everyone should learn the signs of a possible drug overdose. These are:
- Difficulty walking/talking/staying awake
- Blue lips or nails
- Very small pupils
- Cold and clammy skin
- Dizziness and confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at.
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- Seek treatment for drug addiction through health care providers. As long as your addiction is making all the choices, you are in danger.
People can also access Naloxone kits if they are concerned about experiencing or witnessing a drug overdose. More information on take-home Naloxone is available online at:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids#utm_campaign=q2_2015&utm_medium=short&utm_source=%2Fopioids
Police are also urging anyone who may have information about illegal drug use to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.