Fort St John is subject to an overdose alert until September 4 due to an increase in reports of people experiencing opioid poisonings and users not responding to the standard dosage of naloxone.
Northern Health issued the overdose notice for the city of Fort St John after, what the health authority described as an “increase in overdose events in the community.” The regional group responsible for healthcare issued this notice with the First Nations Health Authority.
The groups reminding residents of the city who use substances that they should not be using drugs when they are alone, as it increases the risk of fatal overdose.
“Overdoses are happening when the substance is smoked and/or injected,” said Northern Health, who also reported an increase in “heavy and prolonged sedation” among users. People who use drugs are also being reminded to know their limit and use within it.
“Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less,” the health authority advised.
“Test a small amount first, start low and go slow.”
Northern Health said the people who are overdosing on tainted drugs require more naloxone, the kits that can reverse an overdose, to do their job.
Residents in the city are reminded that they can access naloxone at pharmacies, who will provide free kits to people who use opioids, and anyone who is likely to witness an overdose, according to the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
Naloxone, which is sometimes called Narcan, blocks the effects of opioids, like fentanyl, by removing the opioids from the brain’s receptors and attaching itself to the brain instead.
Free kits are provided by the province for people who complete their Take Home Naloxone Training – which teaches users to identify the signs of opioid poisoning, respond correctly by administering the kit, and the protocol for after the kit is administered.
People who use substances were reminded by Northern Health of the options for safe-use available, including the Lifeguard and BeSafe apps, which monitor a person’s wellbeing as drugs settle into their system.
The health authority also recommended users visit the local overdose prevention site in the back area of the parking area of 9907 98 St. At this location, site workers can check drugs for fentanyl and monitor people for signs of opioid poisoning while they use.
