Overdose alert issued after 3 suspected OD deaths in a week

The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy has issued an overdose alert after three people are suspected to have died from overdoses this past week. 

Police and paramedics in Waterloo region have responded to 36 overdose-related calls in the same period of time. Waterloo regional police tweeted on Friday that officers had responded to 11 suspected overdose calls in Galt within a 36-hour period.

Advocates and paramedics say the overdoses could be linked to the presence of purple fentanyl in the community, which is much stronger than many people are used to.

Meanwhile, more people are likely using drugs alone due to the isolation of the pandemic, said Robert Crossan.

The combination can be lethal. 

"It certainly increases the chances it's going to end in a tragic situation, an overdose or a death," said Crossan, who is deputy chief with Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services. 

Anyone who uses drugs is urged to be cautious and to use the consumption and treatment site at 150 Duke St. W. in Kitchener.

Naloxone the difference between life and death

Crossan said anyone who uses drugs, or has a loved one who does, should also get a naloxone kit and know how to use it. 

"We see it every day, it makes a difference between life and death," said Crossan.

Free naloxone kits are available through regional public health or the Sanguen Health Centre, as well as many pharmacies. 

The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy has also recommended that people take the following steps in case of an overdose:

• Call 911.
• Administer naloxone.
• Do not give stimulants.
• Continue to assist victim until paramedics arrive.
• Victim should accompany paramedics to hospital.

2020 could set 'new record' of fatalities

As of Nov. 3 this year, there were 78 suspected overdose deaths in the region, up from 63 in all of 2019. Overdose deaths are considered "suspected" until they've been confirmed by the coroner's office, which could take up to a year.

The record number of overdose deaths in the region occurred in 2017, when there were 86. 

 "I'm very confident we're going to blow past that and set a new record on fatalities," said Crossan. 

As a point of comparison, Crossan said paramedics typically respond to a dozen or so traffic fatalities in a year. 

"We're talking about over 80 opioid fatalities," he said. "That's a huge number, of somebody's son or daughter, mother, father.

"It's a tragedy."