Alert Issued for Waterloo Region After 1 Death, 21 Overdose-Related Calls Within 3 Days | The Canadian News

The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System has issued an overdose alert for the Waterloo Region after one person died and emergency services responded to 21 overdose-related calls over the weekend.

OMARS says there are no specific colors of substances circulating in the area related to the incidents.

He says that reported reactions have included extreme drowsiness and lethargy that persist even after naloxone has been administered.

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OMARS says local officials believe benzodiazepines may be in the local drug supply, although this remains an unconfirmed report.

As of Oct. 31, there have been 1,244 overdose-related calls in the region this year, while there were also 73 overdose-related deaths as of Oct. 8, according to data released by the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy.

The agency is asking those involved to use the consumption and treatment services on Duke Street in downtown Kitchener for safety reasons.

If someone overdoses, the agency says to take the following steps:

1. Call 9-1-1
2. Administer naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected.
3. Do not give stimulants (eg, Methamphetamine), as this can make the overdose worse.
4. Continue helping the victim until paramedics arrive.
5. The victim must accompany the paramedics to the hospital.