Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison is warning Islanders of the presence of a highly potent opioid, fentanyl, in the province following an accidental overdose involving the drug.
The Coroner reported an accidental overdose death involving fentanyl – a man in his 40s – to Summerside police and the Chief Public Health Office late Friday. Investigations are ongoing.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine and has caused accidental overdoses and death in individuals who consume street drugs. Dr. Morrison says anyone consuming street drugs – not only opioids, but any drug in pill or powdered form – should take steps to reduce the risks, carry naloxone and inform others who may use drugs that naloxone is available.
If an individual feels that they need a naloxone kit, they can contact the provincial Needle Exchange Program toll-free by calling 1-877-637-0333 or visit a program site. Free kits are also available to clients of mental health and addiction programs and select community groups. More information is available at: Preventing Opioid-Related Overdoses.
The Summerside Police Services is continuing its investigation into this incident and are very concerned about the presence of fentanyl within the Summerside area and all of Prince Edward Island. Anyone with any information in relation to this matter, or other drug related information, is asked to contact the Summerside Police Services at 902-432-1201, Prince District Joint Forces Drug Section at 902-432-9300, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
There have now been 11 accidental opioid-related overdoses in the province since April 2020, 8 of which involved fentanyl. Not all overdoses have resulted in death.
A Public Health Alert for fentanyl remains in place for the province. Islanders are encouraged to call 911 right away if they suspect an overdose.
The Departments of Health & Wellness, Justice and Public Safety, Health PEI, Island EMS and local Police Services are actively monitoring the situation and working closely together on Preventing Opioid-Related Overdoses and Deaths.
Backgrounder:
What should you do if you suspect an overdose?
- Call 911 right away if you suspect an overdose. The sooner you call the better the chance of recovery.
- An overdose might look different from one person to the next. But there are a few things you can look for if you suspect someone may have overdosed on an opioid like fentanyl. This includes slow, shallow breathing or no breathing and severe sleepiness or the person is not responsive.
- The Canadian Good Samaritan law protects people from being charged for simple drug possession. Call 911 to save the life of someone who overdoses.
- Call 911 even if naloxone is used because it may not be enough to permanently reverse the overdose; it only lasts for 20 minutes, so it is important to get medical help for the best chance of survival.
- Is there help for someone who wants to quit?
- Many resources are still available to Islanders suffering with addiction. If you need assistance, call 1-888-299-8399 (toll-free), speak with your health-care provider, or connect with a counsellor at the Addiction Services Call-In Clinic.
Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communication and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 314-2721
ahamel@gov.pe.ca