Fraser Valley – Fraser Health noted that there has been a number of overdoses in Abbotsford and Mission over the past days. Reports suggest overdoses are connected to a dark purple substance sold as down/opioids.
Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from both injection and inhalation.
Key messages for people who use substances:
- Use less than you normally would
- Do a tester; try a little before your regular amount
- Try not to use alone, and if you do, have someone check on you
- Stagger use with friends so someone can respond if needed
- Know the signs of overdose (early signs may include unusual snoring, or taking less than 1 breath every 5 seconds)
- Call 9-1-1 quickly when you notice something isn’t right (the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 911 in the case of an overdose)
- If you suspect the overdose is caused by a suspected/confirmed benzo, communicate this when help arrives
- Provide breaths (every 5 seconds until the person regains consciousness or help arrives)
- Get naloxone from these locations:
https://towardtheheart.com/site-finder
Let Fraser health us know through overdose@fraserhealth.ca if you receive any information about what people might be taking (colour, smell, consistency, packaging).
