Southwestern Public Health, the health unit for Oxford and Elgin counties, is sounding the alarm about a “very toxic” fentanyl believed to be behind a rise in near fatal overdoses in the region.
Woodstock police and multiple community agencies have reported several non-fatal overdoses in Oxford to the health unit over the last week. According to the health unit, these incidents are suspected to be connected with a very toxic fentanyl currently circulating throughout the region.
The fentanyl in question comes in a variety of colours including blue and beige. It is so potent multiple doses of naloxone have been required to reverse its effects. In one instance, as many as eight doses had to be administered to save an individual suffering an overdose. Naloxone is an emergency medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
The increase in overdoses has led to a rise in demand for naloxone kits. The kits are available through the health unit and pharmacies across Ontario.
To help prevent an overdose, people who consume drugs are advised not to use alone, avoid mixing drugs, and to go slow if taking a new substance or have changed suppliers. To download a copy of the health unit’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Tips brochure click here.
Anyone who comes across someone believed to be suffering from an overdose should call 911 immediately and administer Naloxone if it is available. Signs of an opioid overdose include the inability to stay awake, slowed breathing or limp body, gurgling sounds, pale or blue skin, tiny pupils, and vomiting.
