A drug expert wants police safety messages around synthetic highs use to go one step further.
The death of a man in Hawke's Bay this week is believed to be linked to psychoactive substances.
The 55-year-old Maraenui man had a "severe reaction" to synthetic cannabis, said police, who have charged three others in the town with possession and supply.
That followed the death of a man on Auckland's Queen St, also using synthetic drugs.
Ross Bell of the Drug Foundation says police need to explain to people what to do when someone overdoses.
"When you see your friend collapse how to put them in the recovery position, dial 111 for an ambulance. I think there is some other first aid information they could include as well."
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Police currently encourage users to visit their local GP or contact the Drug and Alcohol Helpline.
"Any form of drug use in our community has a detrimental impact on the individual, their family and the wider community," said Insp Chris Wallace of Hawke's Bay police. "It can drive many aspects of crime, including family harm, dishonesty offences and serious assaults."
Mr Bell says they play an important role when it comes to drug control.
"While we would encourage police to do more of these health referrals, we're going to need that backed up by DHBs making sure there are enough services, and the Government putting much more money into treatment and prevention services."
Mr Bell says it's great to see police putting out more help information.
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