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A recent rash of drug toxicity cases and deaths has public health authorities in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties warning of the possibility of new, more toxic drugs in circulation.
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Hastings Prince Edward Public Health staff learned in recent days of about five such cases – three of them fatal – which occurred in the last three to four weeks.
The cases are under investigation – a health unit release issued Thursday did not specify by whom – and the substance or substances involved were not known.
“Increasing reports of overdose are often the result of new and/or toxic drugs being introduced to the area,” it stated.
No officials with the health unit or other local authorities were immediately available for comment.
“It is important to recognize that many other overdoses are likely occurring in the region but are not captured in available data, as overdoses can only be reported when an individual seeks medical attention,” the release stated.
“An overdose is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 911. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses or responds to an overdose and calls 911.”
It urged everyone using drugs to take steps to reduce the risk of serious harm or death.
Those steps including never using drugs while alone, avoiding the mixing of drugs, using only a small amount at first, and having at least one naloxone kit available.
Naloxone is a temporary antidote for opioid toxicity. It’s administered by syringe or nasal spray. Free kits are available from pharmacies and other locations.
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A kit is critical to reducing the risk, medical officer of health Dr. Ethan Toumishey said in the news release.
“It is a good idea to have more than one kit on hand, as naloxone’s ability to reduce the effect of opioids in your system is temporary,” he said.
“In addition, the benefits of naloxone only last for about 30 to 90 minutes, so it is very important to call 911 once naloxone is administered so you will have access to medical assistance once the effects of naloxone wear off.”
The release added using drugs while alone “significantly increases” the risk of death.
Those who use alone may call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677). It’s described as non-judgmental service in which an operator will stay on the line while the caller uses drugs. The operator will call for medical help if the caller loses consciousness.
The “Getting Help” page of the health unit’s website at hpepublichealth.ca lists supports for people with addictions.
People who witness overdoses can report them anonymously using the overdose reporting tool on the health unit’s website. Such reports go to public health nurses and help to ensure harm-reduction services are available where they’re most needed.
Drug warning issued after five overdoses, including three deaths - Belleville Intelligencer
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