With opioid deaths involving fentanyl on the rise in Saskatchewan, local health regions offer naloxone kits for those at risk of accidental overdose.

Jody Miller with Mental Health and Addiction Services in Weyburn explained what happens when a person is suffering from an opioid overdose.

"The opioid is attaching to the opioid receptor in the individual's brain which can cause the nervous system to stop working so they would stop breathing, become unconscious, and be in a state where they could be facing death," she explained.

Other signs of opioid overdose include blue lips or nails, dizziness and confusion, drowsiness or difficulty staying awake, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, and slow or weak breathing.

Jody Miller is the supervisor for Addiction Services at Community Health Services in Weyburn (photo by Marna McManus).

Naloxone is an emergency response to opioid overdose and not treatment. Its purpose is to save a life. Miller said those administering the naloxone may have to administer it more than once until emergency services arrive.

"The initial dose may render the person conscious again but in a short period of time that opioid that is still in the individual's system can reattach [to opioid receptors] and cause another overdose state."

Naloxone kits are available at the Community Health Building. They can be reached directly in Weyburn at 306-842-8693 or in Estevan at 306-637-3610.

"The kits are provided free of charge to anyone who may be at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or to anyone who knows someone who is at risk or is concerned about someone who is at risk," shared Miller.

The kits include syringes and two or three doses of injectable naloxone. Those wishing to receive a kit will be given directions on how to administer the naloxone.

Those who suspect an opioid overdose should call 911, administer naloxone if they have it, and stay with the person until help arrives, Saving a life is the number one priority during an overdose. The Good Samaritan Law protects the person who has overdosed and those who remain on scene to seek help from simple drug possession charges and violation of conditions regarding simple possession.