mARteNsville messeNgeR - JANUARY 19 , 2017 - Page 5
Warning Issued to Physicians and Hospital Staff After Dangerous Chemical Found in Saskatchewan
Shanine Sealey , Martensville Messenger
A recent release from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan advices that a substance called W-18 , a dangerous and potentially deadly synthetic research chemical was confirmed to have been found in a counterfeit Oxycodone tablet in the Kerrobert , SK area . Kerrobert is located approximately 180 kilometers west of Saskatoon . Health Canada states that W-18 “ could represent a threat to someone handling it without proper protection .”
Since the discovery , the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan are advising physicians , particularly emergency room physicians , hospital staff and other emergency respondents to be aware of the potential for exposure to the substance when responding to an emergency situation . The warning issued stated that they “ exercise extreme vigilance and caution when treating cases of overdose in the province where Fentanyl and similar drugs are suspected .”
Dr . Karen Shaw , Registrar for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan , commented that , “ It is important for the College to ensure that physicians are aware of the situation so that the appropriate safeguards may be in place to avoid a potentially dangerous situation . However , we also wish to
ensure that appropriate care continues to be provided to patients who find themselves in distress due to an overdose .”
Currently , there is minimal data when it comes to W-18 , and the pharmacological profile for the chemical is not well-established . What is known is that W-18 was first synthesized with analgesic , used for painkilling , in the early 1980 ’ s , and the compounds were never tested on humans , never sold commercially and have no known medicinal benefits .
Although there is little information available , the Fraser Institute recommends administering naloxone as a counter treatment to the effects of a W-18 overdose . There is a lack of evidence as to whether this is an effective treatment , as it is unknown whether W-18 is an opioid . According to the Fraser Institute , “ the only publicly available scientific report compares W-18 and related compounds to opioids , it does not determine whether or not W-18 binds to opioid receptors in the body .” However , since W-18 is often combined with opioid drugs , it is still recommended to administer naloxone as a counter treatment .
In the event of an overdose ( someone loses consciousness , or stops breathing ) contact 911 immediately .
ABOVE : Counterfeit Oxycodone tablets have been located within the province and have caused numerous deaths through overdoses . Recently , a counterfeit Oxycodone tablet was found in the Kerrobert , SK area with traces of the chemical W-18 .
Two Homicides By Mid-January
Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger
Saskatoon made it a whopping ten days into the New Year before the first homicide took place . On Wednesday , January 11th at approximately 12am , police , ambulance and fire personnel responded to an injured male in the 200 block of Avenue I South . Rodney Wailing , a 45-year-old male , was the victim of an apparent assault and was transported to Royal University Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries .
Police issued a notice that 27-year-old Daniel Forest was a person of interest . Forest turned himself in to police on January 14th and appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on January 16th , where he faced charges of second degree murder and breach of court conditions . Another court appearance is set for January 31st .
The second homicide of 2017 took place January 17th when police were called to St . Paul ’ s Hospital in regards to an injured male . The 29-year-old victim suffered from a life threatening injury , and died later in hospital . The Saskatoon Police Major Crimes , Forensic Identification , along with the Chief Coroner ’ s office is currently investigating . Police are asking anyone that may have information regarding this incident to call the Saskatoon Police Services at ( 306 ) 975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 .
According to a 2016 poll , Statistics Canada found that Saskatoon and Regina were ranked No . 1 and 2 respectively for the highest crime rates in the country .