Prevention of overdoses during summer festivities

Prevention of overdoses during summer festivities

The Public Health Department of the Outaouais Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) wishes to remind the public precautionary information with the arrival of the summer festivities, where alcohol and drugs may be consumed. Using drugs (pills, powder or fluids) from a drug dealer, the internet or a friend can cause life-threatening overdoses. There is no way for consumers to know what these drugs actually contain. Poisonings related to drugs including fentanyl have been observed in the Outaouais in recent years. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of overdose when consuming substances:

– Avoid using different drugs at the same time, including alcohol.
– Avoid being alone and stay with people you trust.
– Take a small amount to see the effect on you.
– Drink water and take rest periods.
– Do not accept drinks (even water) from strangers and keep track of what you consume.
– If you feel unwell or feel unsafe, ask for help.

Call 911 (and stay on the line to give as much information as possible) or notify a person you trust if you notice someone showing signs of an overdose. These signs include:
– Being unconscious and unresponsive to sounds or touch.
– Very slow, laboured breathing or not breathing at all.
– Blue lips and nails.
– Cold and wet skin.
– Very small pupils.

Large gatherings always have security guards on site who can help. Also, at many festivals, first aid services are available on the site to treat people who need medical attention.