Six deaths in Brantford-Brant since start of month
The Brant County Health Unit has issued a public safety alert after a recent rash of suspected opioid overdose deaths.
The Brantford Police Service has responded to 19 opioid overdose incidents, including six deaths, from July 1 to July 25, according to the alert.
It says fentanyl and other unknown opiates appear to have contributed to the overdose deaths. The health unit also has received reports that opioid drugs circulating in the community are more potent than usual. Non-opioid drugs also may be contaminated with opioids.
There have been 14 deaths from opioids and 82 overdoses in Brantford-Brant so far this year. In 2021, there were 33 deaths and 182 overdoses.
The health unit advises that if you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose to call 911 immediately. If it’s available, give the person naloxone, even if they weren’t intending to use opioids. Naloxone will have no negative effect on someone who isn’t using opioids.
Naloxone is an emergency medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids, such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone and morphine, as well as those caused by non-opioid drugs contaminated with opioids.
Naloxone can wear off before the person has completely recovered, so it’s essential to call 911 and have them treated by emergency medical services.
If you have taken drugs or have drugs in your possession, the Good Samaritan Law can protect you. The law provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 911 in the case of an overdose.
The law is in place to encourage and protect people witnessing or experiencing an overdose so they can seek help for themselves and others.
To reduce the risk of an overdose:
- Don’t use alone. If you do, get someone to check on you either by phone or in person or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. The service will stay on the phone with you while you use and call for help, if needed.
- Go slow if you are using a new substance or have purchased your usual substances from a new supplier. Take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you.
- Purchase from a trusted supplier, if possible. Be especially careful if you have recently switched suppliers.
- Carry naloxone, even if you don’t expect to be using opioids. Drugs can be contaminated with fentanyl.