The Regina Police Service (RPS) is advising the public of a continued rise in overdoses in the city.
Last week, police reported five overdoses within a day. According to officials, the apparent drug overdoses all occurred on May 1.
There have been 233 reported drug overdoses in the city between Jan. 1 and May 4. Of these, police responded to 110 of them and had to use Narcan, also known as naloxone, 24 times.
Since some overdoses don’t involve calls for emergency services, RPS said the actual number of these overdoses in the city is higher.
This year, 11 people have died from overdoses, while police believe 11 other deaths were a result of drug use. The official cause of death needs to be confirmed by the coroner’s service.
Police said those who use opioids or methamphetamine are especially at risk and ask the public to be vigilant in reporting illegal drug use or overdoses.
Symptoms of overdoses include slow or no breathing, gurgling, gasping or snoring, clammy or cool skin and blue lips or nails.
If people suspect someone is overdosing, call 911.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects anyone who is experiencing a drug overdose or anyone who is present when someone is experiencing a drug overdose. More information can be found here.
Free naloxone kits are also available. More information is available here.
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