There were three deaths in a 24-hour period from suspected opioid overdoses in Timmins last week. That almost matches the number for an entire year in Porcupine Health Unit jurisdiction, which is three to five.
PHU’s manager of infectious diseases and clinical services, Lynn Leggett says friends and family of known drug users should recognize overdose signs. You’ll have trouble waking them up, and their breathing could slow down or even stop.
“They’ll start gurgling and making snoring sounds,” says Leggett.” You’ll start to see their fingernails may start turning blue, their lips will turn blue, pupils will get very tiny and their eyes can roll back. And really, the body just becomes really limp.”
Leggett says you should call 9-1-1 immediately, and administer naloxone.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to call EMS, because the naloxone only temporarily reverses the effect of an opioid so it can last about 30 to 90 minutes,” Leggett explains. “ So the person does need to seek medical attention.”
Naloxone kits are available for free at all health unit offices and most pharmacies.