Amid reports of an increase in suspected drug-related deaths, public health officials are urging people to take safety precautions.
In a news release Friday evening, Lambton’s health unit urged people not to mix opioids and other street drugs, or alcohol; not to use alone, and to carry a naloxone kit.
Signs of an opioid overdose include difficulty walking, talking or staying awake; blue or gray lips or nails; very small pupils; cold and clammy skin; dizziness and confusion; extreme drowsiness; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds; slow, weak or no breathing; and an inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at, public health officials said in the release.
Officials also urged people to call 911 and remain on scene to provide information to paramedics in the event of an overdose, to administer naloxone if they have it, and to know that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protect them from facing possession charges, or breach of conditions charges related to possession.
Sarnia police recently warned powerful-opioid fentanyl found molded into cartoon-like shapes could pose a danger if mistaken for candy or cannabis edibles.
Public Health Ontario reports 37 opioid overdose-related deaths in Sarnia-Lambton in 2021. Lambton’s rate of 28.5 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 population for the year was well above the 19.2 provincial average.
The most recent opioid bulletin from Lambton public health Oct. 24 notes a preliminary figure of nine opioid overdose-related deaths between January and March this year.
As of the end of September, there had been 196 opioid overdose-related emergency medical service calls on the year, and 13 related emergency department visits, the bulletin says
An alert Sept. 1 noted there had been a recent increase in calls to EMS for suspected opioid overdose in the community, the bulletin says.
The surveillance report also notes about 4,800 free naloxone kits had been distributed, as of last month, by public health and community partners, including community health centres, so far this year; though the number distributed through pharmacies wasn’t available.
“Lambton public health continues to validate all reports of recent overdoses with stakeholders and health system partners,” the news release says.
No further information about the suspected drug-related deaths was immediately available Saturday from public health officials.
More information about public health’s harm reduction program is available at lambtonpublichealth.ca/health-info/harm-reduction/officials said in the release.