The Brant County Health Unit has issued a public safety alert following a recent spike in suspected opioid overdose deaths so far this year.
Brantford Police Service responded to nine suspected opioid-related overdose deaths – most of them happened in public settings – from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28.
There were 203 opioid-related overdoses and 54 deaths in Brant in 2022.
Brant’s rate of emergency department visits for opioid-related overdoses in 2022 was 185 per 100,000 population compared to the provincial rate of 75 per 100,000.
“Please use caution when using any type of drug that is not prescribed to you,” said the public alert. “If you are a new drug user, you are particularly at risk should you use drugs that may have unpredictable potency or contain unexpected and dangerous contaminants.”
If you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose, call 911, said the alert. If available, give the person naloxone, even if they weren’t intending to use 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.
“Remember naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose, but it can wear off before the person has completely recovered,” said the alert. “Always call 911 and be treated by emergency medical services.”
Those who have taken drugs or have drugs on them can be protected by the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act when helping themselves or someone who has overdosed.
The act provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 911 in the case of an overdose. The act is in place to encourage and protect people who are witnessing or experiencing an overdose so they can seek help and save lives.
To reduce the risk of an overdose:
- Try not to use alone. If you must use alone, get someone to check on you either by phone or in person, or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. They 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. Your drug may be contaminated with fentanyl.