BATTLE CREEK (WWJ) – Health officials in West Michigan are sharing tips to reduce the risk of drug overdoses after a “mass drug overdose event” on Thanksgiving.
It happened at a Battle Creek home on Nov. 23 when authorities found at least 10 people unresponsive with slowed breathing, according to a report from WOOD TV.
While no one died in the incident, seven people were taken to the emergency room to be evaluated. First responders administered naloxone — a medication that reverses opioid overdoses — to save their lives.
The ages of those involved were not released.
Police and Calhoun County Public Health Department officials believe the people meant to use cocaine, but didn’t realize an opioid, such as fentanyl, was likely also present, leading to the overdoses, according to WOOD TV.
Health department officials say alcohol use likely complicated the situation.
The health department says the best way to prevent overdoses is to avoid drugs. But for those who do, the health department released the following recommendations to reduce the risk.
• Know that co-using substances like alcohol increases the risk of overdose.
• Be aware that unknown substances could be present in drugs.
• Have naloxone available in case an opioid is present in drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
• Go slow, do not go alone and have a designated person who is alert and can help in the case of an overdose.
• Know that an opioid overdose can entail decreased or no breathing, blue skin or lips, small eye pupils or an inability to wake up.
• Respond to an opioid overdose with breathing assessment, rescue breathing and naloxone. Rescue breathing is essential if a person has decreased or no breathing.
The health department also reminded residents that Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges if you are seeking medical assistance for an overdose.