Cases of opioid overdoses have been reported to health officials in Flin Flon over the past year.
A spokesperson with the Northern Health Region said the number of opioid-related overdoses has not increased in Flin Flon. The spokesperson confirmed Flin Flon emergency medical services have responded to multiple opioid-related overdoses in the past year. The exact figure is not available – NHR does not release specific overdose numbers to protect the identities of those involved.
The spokesperson added that fentanyl, a dangerously potent opioid medication that has been found in some illegal narcotics, is present in northern Manitoba, but did not comment as to whether or not it has turned up in Flin Flon.
“Current information available to the regional health authority from local and provincial sources has not indicated that an increase in the number of fentanyl overdoses is occurring in Flin Flon,” said the spokesperson in a statement to The Reminder.
“Illicit fentanyl, used as a ‘street drug,’ is present in northern Manitoba.”
Opioids are types of chemical substances that act on receptors in the brain in a similar way to morphine and other opiates. Multiple types of opioid-based medication, including codeine, hydromorphone, fentanyl and oxycodone can be used as painkillers when prescribed by a medical professional. When obtained illegally or used to excess, these medications can have a number of severe side effects, including death.
Naloxone, a type of opioid-blocking medication, can be used to stop an overdose, with the medication providing temporary relief from the emergency. Working within five minutes from injection, naloxone can be used to restore consciousness and breathing to a person having an overdose, allowing them time to seek further medical attention.
“Naloxone is used by EMS staff based on a predefined set of criteria. Suspected opioid overdose would be included as part of that criteria,” said the NHR spokesperson.
RCMP officers and first responders each carry naloxone doses. Officers with the Flin Flon and Creighton detachments have not yet had to use naloxone since beginning to carry it last year.
Naloxone kits can also be obtained for free from the Primary Health Care Centre in Flin Flon, along with training on how to use the kits. There are not currently plans to expand access to the kits to other sites around Flin Flon, but the spokesperson added the idea is not off the table.
“Regional health authority staff are continually reviewing local information to assess the need for expanded harm reduction programming, including the provision of take home naloxone kits.”
If a person is having an overdose, NHR advises people to call 911 immediately and, if possible, administer a dose of naloxone. The medication does not work immediately, but should restore the person to full consciousness within a few minutes. Once the medication has been administered, they should be taken to a hospital as soon as possible for further medical treatment.
If a person is taking opioid-based medication, they are advised to not use it alone or without a plan. Do not use multiple medications at the same time and do not consume alcohol while taking opioids. Stick to recommended dosages and do not exceed them, except lowering intake during bouts of illness or after a period without use.
