SPIRITWOOD — Evidence of illicit drug consumption has been found in the investigation of the death of three people found in a vehicle along a road in northern Saskatchewan.
Police say members of their detachment in Spiritwood received a report at approximately 8:30 on Saturday morning about three unresponsive individuals in a vehicle between Leoville and Chitek Lake.
All three were declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Police say the Saskatchewan Coroners Service is investigating.
Because there was evidence of illicit drug consumption at the scene, Spiritwood RCMP is reminding the public to know how to recognize an overdose and what to do if one occurs.
Someone experiencing an overdose may show signs and symptoms that include:
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Blue lips or nails
- Dizziness and confusion
- Can’t be woken up
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
What to do when an overdose occurs. An overdose is a medical emergency. If you witness one, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders, including frontline Saskatchewan RCMP officers, carry naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of overdoses caused by opioids.
You have some legal protection if you call for help. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.
You can keep naloxone handy. Members of the public can also keep naloxone on hand if they or someone they know is at risk of overdose. The Government of Saskatchewan offers a ‘take home naloxone’ kit available free of charge at many locations in the province. Naloxone can also be purchased at the Saskatchewan pharmacies on this list.
Know the dangers. One of the risks of using street drugs is they can contain other substances the user may not be aware of. This can have serious effects on the body or even be fatal. If you don’t know the strength or what is in it, use small amounts. Don’t use alone. Take turns or let someone you trust know of your plans to use.
There is help available. If you want to quit using drugs, there are services available to support you. To find services near you, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/addictions. You can also call the Province of Saskatchewan’s HealthLine at 811.
