Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug-Poisoning Alert
Written by Comms Team, July 4, 2023
Residents Urged to Carry Naloxone
Today, Peterborough Public Health issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug-poisonings.
Over the long weekend, Peterborough Public Health detected more than 15 suspected drug-poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City/County. Poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff, and service providers in the community. These reports have prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hope of preventing further harms to the community.
At this time, a specific substance has not been identified as the cause of the poisonings. However, there are reports of a light green substance and pink substance being of concern. All community members are asked to be careful when using drugs. Peterborough Public Health is reminding everyone that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of a drug can be fatal.
A drug-poisoning may look different from one person to the next and depending on the drugs involved. A drug-poisoning is a medical emergency. Always call 9-1-1.
If you suspect an individual is experiencing a drug-poisoning, give naloxone. This may improve breathing, but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.
If you inject, inhale, snort or ingest drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:
- NEVER use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., 7 days/week. If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
- NEVER share supplies. Avoid using damaged or modified pipes/needles.
- Have a plan. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
- Carry MULTIPLE naloxone kits and refills. Keep these visible and close by.
- Avoid mixing drugs.
- Start by using a small amount of drug first.
Call 911. If the person is unresponsive and administer naloxone.
Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of drug-poisoning and know what to do:
- Skin is cold and clammy
- Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
- Body is very limp
- Can’t wake the person up
- Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
- Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
- Pupils are very small
If a drug-poisoning is witnessed, call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives. Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
Residents can anonymously report drug-poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.
For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca