Drug alert following multiple overdoses in Prince Albert, Wahpeton Dakota Nation

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health has issued a drug alert after first responders were called to multiple overdoses in the Prince Albert area within 24 hours.

Parkland Ambulance staff responded to eight reported drug overdoses in Prince Albert and Wahpeton Dakota Nation within 24 hours on Wednesday and Thursday, according to an alert issued by the province on Friday.

The warning says there is an increased risk of drug overdoses and deaths in the region, but in most cases it is not known what substance the overdoses were, the warning said.

The ministry says it does not know what the drug causing the overdoses looks like or what it is sold as.

In one case, the ministry states that carfentanil was a suspicious substance and may have been taken by intravenous injection.

Naloxone, which is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, was administered in six of the eight cases.

The alert did not specify the condition of the people involved in eight overdose cases.

The warning remains in effect until Friday next week.

The warning recommends that anyone who uses street drugs reduce their risk by purchasing a naloxone kit. For locations where they are available, call 811.

People who only use drugs can also call the National Overdose Response Service, an overdose prevention hotline, at 1-888-688-6677, according to the warning.

The province is also reminding people of the Good Samaritan law. Under this law, no person seeking emergency medical or police assistance can be charged or convicted of simple drug possession if the evidence was discovered because they sought help or were at the scene of an accident.

For more information about overdoses, visit the department’s website.