Three deaths southeast of Meadow Lake are being investigated as possible drug overdoses. (File photo/CKOM News Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Knowing dangers

Multiple deaths serve as overdose warning

Apr 11, 2022 | 9:49 AM

Spiritwood RCMP are reminding the public of how to recognize an overdose, after three people were found dead on the side of a road on Saturday.

Around 8:30 a.m. that morning, police got a call regarding three unresponsive individuals in a vehicle on a road between Leoville and Chitek Lake, southeast of Meadow Lake. EMS declared them deceased at the scene.

Evidence of illicit drug consumption was found at the scene as well. While the Saskatchewan Coroners Service is investigating, that finding is reason enough for Spiritwood RCMP to remind the public to know how to recognize an overdose and what to do if one occurs.

Signs and symptoms

There are several visible signs of a potential overdose. These include slow, weak or no breathing, blue lips or nails and dizziness and confusion. Others include when the individual can’t be woken up, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds and when the person in question shows drowsiness or difficulty to stay awake.

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What to do when an overdose occurs

Because an overdose is a medical emergency, anyone who witnesses one should call 911 immediately. Emergency responders, including frontline Saskatchewan RCMP officers, carry naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.

You have some legal protection if you call for help

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This protects the person who seeks help, even if they leave the scene before help arrives.

Keep naloxone handy

Members of the public can keep naloxone on hand if they or someone they know is at risk of overdose. The Government of Saskatchewan offers a ‘take home naloxone’ kit available free of charge at many locations in the province and it can be also purchased at the Saskatchewan pharmacies on this list.

Know the dangers

One of the risks of using street drugs is they can contain other substances the user may not be aware of, which can have serious, even fatal, effects.

There is help available

Services are available to support those wanting to quit using drugs. To find services nearby, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions or call the Province of Saskatchewan’s HealthLine at 811.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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