ATHOL — The Athol police chief is stressing the importance of calling 911 when a drug overdose is discovered after his department responded to three overdoses in a 24-hour span earlier this week.
Police Chief Russell Kleber said there were reported overdoses inside a residence, in a gas station parking lot and in the parking lot of Athol Hospital. None of the cases were fatal. Athol Police are investigating the source of the drugs and whether there is any connection between the overdoses.
Kleber said Massachusetts has a “Good Samaritan Law” that protects from charge, prosecution and conviction any overdose victim and those who call 911 for help.
“These drugs are extremely dangerous and can be lethal even in small doses,” Kleber said. “It is essential that residents remain vigilant around people they know who may be susceptible to an overdose, and that they immediately call 911 so that we can provide assistance if they begin showing signs of overdosing.”
The Athol Police Department encourages people to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of an overdose — slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness or loss of consciousness, blue or grayish color skin with dark lips and fingernails, and snoring or gurgling sounds.