WATERTOWN, S.D. – Police in Watertown, South Dakota have issued a public safety alert after responding to two suspected overdoses over the weekend involving what’s believed to be powder fentanyl.
According to the Watertown Police Department, officers and Watertown Fire Rescue were called to separate incidents in the community of about 23,200 residents. In one case, officers had to perform CPR and administer naloxone (Narcan) to revive an adult male who had reportedly been exposed to the powerful synthetic opioid. In the other case, the victim was unconscious in a restaurant restroom and regained consciousness on his own.
Authorities are urging the public to be extremely cautious. If you come across a suspicious white powder that might be an illegal substance, officials say you should not touch, inhale, or try to clean it up. Instead, leave the area immediately, keep others away, and contact law enforcement. If someone may have been exposed, call 911 right away.
“Talk with your family, especially young people, about the dangers of fentanyl,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Do not take any pill that was not prescribed directly to you.”
The department is also encouraging those who know someone at risk of opioid overdose to carry naloxone. The nonprofit Emily’s Hope has been expanding access to the life-saving medication through free naloxone distribution boxes across South Dakota. To date, the organization has distributed more than 6,000 doses throughout the region.
