RCMP responded to a possible Fentanyl overdose in Southeastern Manitoba on Friday, January 13 and administered the first dose of Naloxone in our province.

Reports indicate when officers arrived on scene they found a 20-year-old male unconscious and not breathing. With an ambulance still eight minutes away, officers administered the first dose of nasal Naloxone. The victim showed signs of improvement but still struggled to breathe, so officers administered a total of two more doses at the recommended intervals. The victim’s pulse and breathing quickly stabilized, he was transported to the hospital, and has since been released.

Joanne Keeping, the East District Manager of the Manitoba RCMP says, “There is no doubt in our minds that those officers saved the life of this young man. I cannot stress enough the value of having these kits with our officers, it saves lives and is critical to the safety of all first responders.”

RCMP say suspected Fentanyl was seized at the location, and to protect the identity of the victim, RCMP will not be providing any specific details about the location of the incident.

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids.