A recent rise in the number of suspected opioid-related deaths has prompted the Brant County Health Unit to issue a public safety alert.
Seven deaths in Brantford-Brant are among 18 suspected opioid-related incidents from March 1 to 29, 2023.
There were five deaths in each of the first two months of this year, while the death rate per 100,000 population is 3.13 for Brant, a figure almost double the rate for the entire province.
“Please use caution when using any type of drug that is not prescribed to you,” said BCHU communications manager Ryan Spiteri. “If you are new to drug use, you are particularly at risk should you use drugs that may have unpredictable potency or contain unexpected and dangerous contaminants.”
A call to 911 should be made immediately if someone appears to be suffering from a drug overdose. Naloxone should be administered if available.
“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,” Spiteri explained. “(Naloxone) can wear off before the person has completely recovered. Always call 911 and be treated by Emergency Medical Services.”
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides immunity from simple possession charges for persons who call 911 who are witnessing or experiencing an overdose, in an effort to save lives.
The following steps should be considered to reduce risk of an overdose:
- – If using alone, have someone call or check on you in person.
- – Call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) and they will stay on the phone while you use drugs and will call for help if required.
- – Take a small test dose if using a new substance or purchasing from a new supplier to see how it is affecting you.
- – Purchase from a trusted supplier.
- – Carry naloxone even if you do not expect to be using opioids as your drug may be contaminated with fentanyl.