Substance use

If you need emergency help, call 9-1-1.

Each year, WFPS responds to more than 10,000 calls for service related to substance use in the community, which is approximately 27 calls per day. About half of these calls are related to alcohol, and the other half are opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana or other substances.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with substance use, help is available. Find out more through the Province of Manitoba’s Mental Health and Community Wellness branch or by speaking to your healthcare provider. 

Alcohol

Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition and can sometimes be deadly.

Call 9-1-1 if you suspect alcohol poisoning.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include:

  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Slow breathing
  • Irregular breathing
  • Blue skin or pale skin
  • Low body temperature
  • Unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, or altered level of consciousness

Opioids

If you think you or someone you know is overdosing on opioids, acting quickly can save a life. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect an overdose.

If you have naloxone or can quickly locate it, naloxone can save a person’s life. Every ambulance and fire vehicle in the city has naloxone on board. Staff in select City of Winnipeg facilities can administer Naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, as part of their first aid procedures. You may also be able to get a naloxone kit for free at a pharmacy or through the Province of Manitoba’s Naloxone Finder.

If naloxone is administered, it’s still important to call 9-1-1, because naloxone only buys a person a little more time. Without critical medical care, an overdosing person’s life is still at risk.

Symptoms of an opioid overdose/poisoning may include and not limited to:

  • Unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, or altered level of consciousness
  • Shallow or irregular breathing, or no breathing
  • Slowed heart rate or pulse
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Purple lips and fingernails
  • Clammy skin
  • Changes in body temperature
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Loss of coordination
  • Pinpoint pupils

Methamphetamine

Signs and symptoms of methamphetamine use may include:

  • Increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
  • Chest pain
  • Kidney problems
  • Confusion
  • Altered mental status or psychosis
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Circulatory collapse

Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know needs emergency medical help.

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