A Doctor's Halloween Warning
A DOCTOR'S HALLOWEEN WARNING
It's that time of year again! The leaves are finally starting to turn, the air is getting crisp, and Halloween is just around the corner. For many of us, Halloween is a fun time to dress up, eat candy, and enjoy some spooky nonsense. But this year, I'm putting all the parents and big brothers and sisters on notice. As a doctor, I want you to be aware of the dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl and how to keep your kids safe this Halloween.
Rainbow Fentanyl is a serious community problem and we have to be highly vigilant. Tell your kids not to take any "candy" or pills from anyone- even if they know them. Look up what this stuff look like. If you see anything suspicious call the authorities right away.
What is Rainbow Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more than heroin. It is often used as a designer drug because it can be made in a lab to mimic the effects of other drugs. Rainbow fentanyl is colorfully made to be attractive to kids! It has been linked to a number of overdoses and deaths, particularly in the US and Canada. It can come in different forms including powder, tablets, capsules, and even liquid. Because of it's potency, a minute amount is deadly. In fact 1 tab has enough fentanyl to kill over 10 children!!
How can I keep my kids safe this Halloween?
The best way to keep your kids safe this Halloween is to be aware of the dangers of Rainbow Fentanly and other drugs that may be out there for your kids to get their hands on. Teach your kids not to take anything from anyone- EVER. If you see anything call the authorities right away. If your child did accidentally take one of these tabs- call EMS right away. They have the medication to save your child and some community's police department also have the medications. Be sure to tell the dispatcher that you think they might have ingested this dangerous drug so the help comes prepared for the situation.
This Halloween let's all be extra vigilant in keeping our community children safe. But, let them enjoy this time of year and be kids. We are coming off of 2 years of pandemic quarantines, loss of school time and separation from friends and family. Let's all have fun this Halloween- just keep your eyes wide open.