The Middlesex London Health Unit is sounding the alarm over a drastic increase of opioid overdoses over the last few days.
Since Monday, there have been 16 suspected overdoses in the London region and a rise in the number of opioid-related calls to London police and Middlesex-London Paramedic Services.
“This is truly alarming. We haven’t seen numbers like this, especially over such a short period of time,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, the region's medical officer of health. “People need to take the necessary precautions if they intend to use these drugs. Don’t use alone, make sure naloxone is available and be ready to call 911 if something goes wrong.”
Health officials can't confirm whether a new and more potent form of drug has made its way into the area, but state it is evident that something has caused the spike of suspected overdoses.
“The fact is that it is impossible to know what is in street drugs, which makes it critical for those who use drugs to have a safety plan," said Police Chief John Pare. “If you suspect an overdose, it is critical to call for help immediately. The faster emergency services can get there, the better the chance of saving a life.”
Police officers in the city began carrying Naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an overdose, last June. Since then they have administered more than 150 doses to more than 90 individuals.
Concern from the health unit comes after a particularly deadly weekend in southwestern Ontario. Brantford police reported three opioid-related deaths and three other overdoses that resulted in hospitalization over the weekend. In Woodstock, police were called to six separate overdoses Friday and Saturday, one that led to the death of a 17-year-old boy.
OPP also said they received reports of overdoses in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Norfolk County, and Sarnia.
Those who use drugs are urged to get a Naloxone kit and to keep it handy. Naloxone kits are available through the health unit, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection and pharmacies across Ontario.
London's interim Consumption and Treatment Service, formally known as the Temporary Overdose Prevention Site, at 186 King St. is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site allows people to consume pre-obtained narcotics under the supervision of health professionals and referrals to addictions treatment and mental health counselling.
