With Timmins Police reporting carfentanil-laced drugs on the streets, the Porcupine Health Unit is working on creating a task force to respond to overdoses.
The health unit gives out free naloxone kits to help temporarily stop an overdose until paramedics can arrive on scene.
Staff also offer tips for spotting an overdose, and how to treat an individual with a nasal spray naloxone kit.
"Some of the signs and symptoms of an overdose include bueing and greying of the nails and lips, in addition to if they stop breathing, begin snoring or gurgling. Those are telltale signs that an overdose is occurring. We always try to wake the person up, call 9-1-1, and administer naloxone and then CPR subsequently. And if they haven't responded to the first dose of naloxone within two to three minutes, administer the second dose that's included in the kit and then return to using CPR," said Public Health Nurse Patrick Nawak.
Porcupine Health Unit says businesses around downtown Timmins are expressing interest in getting Naloxone training, including a local bar.
