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FORT McMURRAY — Wood Buffalo RCMP say they have responded to two additional suspected drug overdoses in the community, bringing the total number of reported incidents to eight since July 18.
Police say officers administered naloxone, also known as Narcan, in each of the two latest incidents before the individuals were transported for medical treatment and further assessment.
The RCMP first issued a public warning last week after responding to six suspected overdoses over a 12-day period. Police have not identified the substance or substances believed to be involved in the overdoses.
“We are urging anyone who uses illegal substances to exercise extreme caution,” Insp. Troy Switzer, acting officer in charge of Wood Buffalo RCMP, said when the warning was first issued.
“A single use can have fatal consequences. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community, and we encourage residents to be aware of the risks and seek help when needed.”
RCMP continue to remind residents to watch for signs of an overdose, including slow or irregular breathing, difficulty waking a person, blue or grey lips and fingernails, pinpoint pupils and unresponsiveness.
Anyone who suspects an overdose is urged to call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if it is available and remain with the person until emergency responders arrive.
Police are also asking anyone with information about illegal drug trafficking to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Support for people struggling with substance use is available through Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program and the provincial addiction helpline.
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