Spike in drug overdoses in Prince Albert makes police alert people
The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is raising the alarm after a concerning number of suspected drug overdoses in the city.
According to PAPS, officers responded to four incidents on Wednesday alone, where naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered by medical personnel.
“Police wish to remind the public that any drug that is not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist can result in serious injury or death,” PAPS said in a release.
Police say an overdose is a medical emergency and people can show symptoms like slow or no breathing, blue lips or nails, gurgling, and cool skin.
According to a report from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, Saskatchewan is continuing to deal with a deadly drug crisis.
The report says 395 deaths associated with drug use have happened so far in 2023.
If someone suspects a person has overdosed on any drug, police advise them to call 911, including frontline police members, carry naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.
Police say those who call for help will have legal protection.
“Members of the public can also 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,” police said.
There is also help available if you want to quit using drugs. To find services near you, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Edmonton Oilers looking for a road win in decisive Game 5 against Dallas Stars
The Florida Panthers are a victory away from securing a berth in the Stanley Cup final and the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a road win in a pivotal Game 5 at Dallas.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Man convicted of killing Toronto cop in 1980 granted day parole
A man convicted of murdering a Toronto police officer more than four decades ago has been granted day parole for six months.