Spike in suspected drug related deaths in Lambton prompts public health advisory

Journal staff Lambton Public Health has issued a public health advisory “due to recent reports of an increase in suspected drug-related deaths,” the health unit said late Friday.

Journal staff

Lambton Public Health has issued a public health advisory “due to recent reports of an increase in suspected drug-related deaths,” the health unit said late Friday.

Residents who use street drugs and their caregivers are being urgently reminded of the following:

• Don’t mix them with alcohol or other drugs
• Don’t use alone
• Know the signs of an opioid overdose
• Carry a Naloxone kit

Signs of an opioid overdose include:

• Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
• Blue or grey lips or nails
• Very small pupils
• Cold and clammy skin
• Dizziness and confusion
• Extreme drowsiness
• Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at

Free Naloxone kits are available from Lambton Public Health, local pharmacies, and several partner agencies including Community Health Centres.

In the event of an overdose please:

• Call 911 and stay at the scene to provide information to paramedics
• Administer Naloxone if you have it
• Know that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you

Lambton Public Health continues to validate all reports of recent overdoses with stakeholders and health system partners.

For more information, please visit https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/health-info/harm-reduction/.