Mission 5-year-old girl hospitalized after overdosing on fentanyl: RCMP
MISSION — Mounties in Mission say a 5-year-old girl was hospitalized this past week after reportedly overdosing on fentanyl at a home in Mission.
According to a statement from Mission RCMP spokesperson Corporal Harrison Mohr, first responders were called to a Nottman Street residence last Thursday evening, March 20 for a young girl who was unconscious and receiving CPR. Police say the girl was having a bath when she reportedly handled a jar containing fentanyl, and began exhibiting signs of distress soon afterwards. Adults in the house called 911 after her breathing changed and she began vomiting. Her condition rapidly deteriorated soon afterwards. Paramedics administered multiple doses of naloxone to counteract the effects of the Fentanyl, which helped the girl’s condition to improve. She remained in hospital overnight, and is expected to recover.
Mission RCMP say fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous drug that can harm people of any age, but especially children who would likely have no idea what the substance is if they were to come into contact with it. Police say anyone who keeps fentanyl in their residence should ensure it is always stored in a secure place, out of reach of anyone who is not intending on using it.
“Anyone who suspects they or someone around them has come into contact with Fentanyl – even through skin contact – should immediately seek medical aid, regardless of whether symptoms have set in,” Cpl. Mohr said. “Receiving a timely dose of Naloxone, as well as further medical care afterwards, is critical to increasing the chances of surviving a Fentanyl overdose.”
