Health authorities in the Northwest Territories issued a public health advisory on Friday after determining the presence of carfentanil in the Hay River community.
The drug is considered one of the most toxic, according to some studies, either 10,000 times more toxic than morphine, 4,000 times more toxic than heroin and 100 times more toxic than fentanylwill we read in the press release.
The discovery of this drug in the NWT is a concern for all communitiessaid the territory’s chief medical health officer, Dr. We are Kandola.
” Every person who uses or supplies NWT illicit drugs, including experienced users, as well as those involved in the fight against illicit drugs, should be informed of the presence of carfentanil in NWT drugs. “
Authorities point out that a person suffering from an overdose may need more than one dose of naloxone and witnesses are advised to contact ambulance services quickly.
Symptoms of overdose include blue lips and nails, cold sore skin, slow or interrupted breathing or choking, and inability to wake up.
The statement emphasizes that under no circumstances should you touch or handle carfentanil or fentanyl, as simple contact with these substances can cause disastrous consequences, even death.
Authorities are reminding witnesses that they are protected from allegations of simply possessing prohibited substances by the Good Samaritans Act.
Source: Radio-Canada
