Health officials urge public to listen to advice following further drug-related incidents

Public health officials have reissued advice to the public across North East Lincolnshire following a number of drug-related incidents.

Emergency services were called to attend several addresses in Grimsby on January 24^th/25^th following reports of four unresponsive people, who were believed to have overdosed.

There have since been several other reported overdoses, with further hospital admissions, and it is believed they are linked to a highly-potent drug circulating in the town.

Geoff Barnes, Deputy Director of Public Health for Northern Lincolnshire, said: “We know that there’s some harmful drugs circulating in the Grimsby area. These drugs can cause a very sudden overdose which can be life threatening. It’s really important to follow the advice issued to protect both yourself and your friends.”

General advice for people using drugs:

Try to avoid using alone.  Use in other people’s company and try to take turns so there is always someone there who is able to help if someone overdoses.

Make sure you and your friends have naloxone and know how to use it.

If someone is unresponsive, you should get an ambulance as soon as possible.  Administer naloxone and phone 999.  The person may need more than usual if synthetic opioids are involved.  Use the standard dose and repeat as necessary.

Stay with the person – the Emergency Service’s priority is to help the person who has overdosed. 

If you need help, or advice, you can contact With You who are based at 76B Cleethorpe Rd, Grimsby DN31 3EF, or telephone01472 806890.