Precautions advised after one dead, one hospitalized in suspected fentanyl overdoses

RCMP are advising illicit drug users to carry a naloxone kit and know how to use it after one man died and another was taken to hospital from suspected fentanyl overdoses yesterday in a northern Alberta community.

Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses effects of an opioid poisoning or overdose. 

On Oct. 18, Peace Regional RCMP were called to assist EMS and the Grimshaw Fire Department in Grimshaw regarding a suspected fentanyl overdose, according to an RCMP press release issued last night.

Despite efforts of emergency responders, police said the 29-year-old male resident of Grimshaw was pronounced deceased.

Several hours later, Peace Regional RCMP received another call to assist with a suspected fentanyl overdose in Grimshaw, northwest of Edmonton. The individual was transported to the hospital and is now recovering, police said.

Using information received from the call, Peace Regional RCMP planned to conduct welfare checks on two other individuals.

In the release, the RCMP detachment offered safe practices to follow for anyone using street drugs which include avoid using while alone as well as carrying a naloxone kit and knowing how to use it to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning/overdose.

There are over 2,000 sites in Alberta where anyone can pick up a naloxone kit free of charge. Training is available wherever kits are provided. Kits can be obtained anonymously.

Aside from carrying a naloxone kit, Peace Regional RCMP also want to remind the public of other safe practices to follow when using street drugs:

• Ask someone to check on you or use while on the phone with a trusted person able to call for assistance in the event of an overdose. 

• Use supervised consumption services (SCS) if possible.

• Always do a test dose to check the potency or strength of the drug.

• Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning/overdose and call 911 for direction and support.  

“Peace Regional RCMP would like to remind the public that street drugs are not always what they appear to be. Had it not been for the fast actions of those around and the immediate response by emergency medical personnel and RCMP, the surviving individual may have had a very different outcome,” police said.

The signs of a fentanyl overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and unconsciousness. Higher doses of the antidote naloxone are needed to treat an overdose, though it may not always be effective.