â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Knowing overdose warning signs important as illicit drug deaths numbers grow

As illicit drug deaths climb in British Columbia, drug users are being cautioned to avoid using alone.

“We certainly encourage everyone who is using illicit substances to use in the presence of somebody who will call for help, because we still find many people who die from illicit substances… were alone when they used,” said Lisa Lapointe, BC’s Chief Coroner.

Of the 728 people who have died due to illicit drugs in 2020, 56.6% overdosed in private residences.

Identifying the signs of an overdose is an important component of preventing illicit drug deaths.

Opioids, such as fentanyl, have several unique signs of overdose, including:

  • cannot be woken, nonresponsive
  • abnormal breathing
  • choking, gurgling, or loud snoring noises
  • blue lips or nails
  • cold, clammy skin
  • tiny pupils

Stimulants such as cocaine have different overdose signs:

  • rigid, jerking limbs
  • seizures
  • fast pulse or chest pains
  • in and out of consciousness
  • skin feels hot, excessive sweating
  • psychological distress

    Numbers on the table add to over 100%, indicating a prevalence of multidrug use (graphic supplied by BC Coroner’s Service)

Identifying overdoses becomes even more difficult when considering the prevalence of multidrug use in the province.

“It’s very rare to find one substance, it’s almost always mixed drug toxicity,” Lapointe explained.

Naloxone is often used in the event of an opioid overdose – often alongside CPR.

However, Naloxone does not work in the event of a stimulant overdose, although it does not cause harm.

BC’s Toward The Heart recommends using Naloxone when in doubt.

In the event of a suspected illicit drug overdose, members of the public are encouraged to immediately call 9-1-1.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Justin Madu
Justin Madu
Justin is an anchor and reporter with MyPGNow. Born in Kelowna, he has lived in Prince George for over fifteen years. He is a graduate of the UNBC English BA program.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

Darin’s Sports Shorts; Saturday, July 5th

A recap of yesterday's sports.

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Single Rollover in Quesnel Claims Life of One Man

RCMP found a 61-year-old man unconscious in the driver’s seat of the SUV. Police and paramedics on the scene attempted life-saving measures, but the man tragically succumbed to his injuries, and police were unable to resuscitate him.

Area restriction around Pocket Knife Creek fire rescinded

The BC Wildfire Service is rescinding the area restriction order surrounding the Pocket Knife Creek Wildfire. This will take effect tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. The area restriction was originally put in place on May 31st.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.
- Advertisement -