Interior Health issues drug warning for region
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Interior Health has issued a drug alert for the entire IH region, effective until February 25, 2022.
In a media release Wednesday, Interior Health said that multiple drug samples in communities across the region have been found to contain up to 55% fentanyl.
Interior Health said the average is +/- 10%.
Interior Health said as much as 25% benzodiazepine — average is +/- 1 to 2% — have also been detected in some samples.
“The samples have been sold as “down”, heroin, or fentanyl – a wide range of colours and textures have been identified,” the IH media release said..
Interior Health said the drugs can cause a high risk of overdose with severe complications including death.
“Substances containing benzodiazepine can cause prolonged sedation . . . several hours,” Interior Health said.
Overdose response:
Interior Health said naloxone does not work on benzos, but naloxone will work on the opioid overdose symptoms.
“After giving breaths and naloxone, the person may begin breathing normally, but may not wake up,” the IH release said.
“More doses of naloxone should only be given if the person is not breathing normally (less than 10 breaths a minute). If the person is breathing normally but remains unconscious, place in recovery position and stay with them until emergency services arrive.
Interior Health warns drug users that no matter what or how the use (smoking, snorting, injecting) steps should be taken to prevent overdose.
Know the risks when mixing drugs
- Anyone using while alone, should consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.
- When using their own substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
- Use with others or at an Overdose Prevention or Supervised Consumption Site, if one is near.
- Know how to respond to an overdose – call 911, give rescue breaths and naloxone.
