Following a recent spike in overdoses, the local health unit is cautioning the community that it is continuing to grapple with a dangerously toxic drug supply.
The spike has occurred over the past couple of weeks in Brockville and Smiths Falls, and was identified through the Overdose Early Warning System that collects overdose information from local hospitals and through an online reporting tool.
Jennifer Adams is a Harm-Reduction Coordinator and she says recently the health unit has discovered new batches of fentanyl that has made its way into the community.
“We have a yellow fentanyl in the Smiths Falls and Brockville areas, which we believe to be two different batches of fentanyl,” Adams said. “The one in Smiths Falls appears to be more toxic than the one in Brockville at this point, and so what we’re seeing is more people showing up in our emergency departments.”
Adams says residents need to be under the assumption that all substances could be contaminated with an opioid.
She recommends that people always have a naloxone kit on hand in the event of an overdose.
“We know that people, most of the time, require ongoing medical care after experiencing an overdose,” Adams said. “And one of the things we’re most concerned about is these new fentanyls in our areas appear to be contaminated with other substances, such as benzodiazepines, which is anxiety medication.”
In the case of these new batches, Adams says a naloxone kit may not be enough.
She says that’s why it’s absolutely vital to call 911 when dealing with an overdose.
“Unfortunately naloxone, which reverses a fentanyl overdose, will not be effective with benzodiazepines mixed in,” she said. “So therefore, we want people to seek medical care because a mixture of those two substances has the potential to increase the risk of a fatal overdose.”
Adams adds 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.
For more on harm-reduction and overdose prevention, you can head here.
