Today (April 7), the Peterborough Police Service reported it has responded to the scenes of three accidental overdoses, each resulting in death, in the last 48 hours.

The three overdose deaths, suspected to be caused by the use of illicit drugs, are unrelated to one another.

Police are reminding the public of the risks of using drugs, particularly opioids. They are warning city and area residents about the potential dangers when using illicit substances, especially when it is unknown what may be mixed with them or their potential strength.

It has been reported across Canada that Fentanyl has been mixed with many illicit drugs. Fentanyl is a synthetic, short-acting analgesic and sedative.

If an individual is going to use a drug, it is suggested that they consider doing so in the presence of another person for safety and that there is Naloxone present. Naloxone is an opioid antidote that can reverse an overdose. Naloxone, once administered, can last for approximately 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the strength of the opioid, which allows an individual that may have overdosed to be treated medically.

Naloxone is available free of charge from numerous pharmacies, Peterborough Public Health at 185 King Street in Peterborough, and from PARN at 159 King Street in Peterborough.

If you suspect someone has overdosed on drugs, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.

For more information relating to opiates and Naloxone, visit peterboroughdrugstrategy.com.