Officials in the Waterloo region issued an overdose alert after emergency crews responded to 28 suspected overdoses in the past three days.
The Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy (WRIDS) tweeted the alert Friday afternoon, warning of “various color fentanyl variations” in the area.
“These batches are dangerous and may be stronger and / or contain substances that cause unexpected adverse reactions,” said an update on the WRIDS website.
Update said Emergency services responded to 28 suspected overdoses. between November 30 and December 2. Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site staff also reported responding to 14 suspected overdoses within that time frame.
Authorities said frontline workers have seen an increase in green, blue, red, purple and “multi-colored” fentanyl, which often causes intense sedation and needs a naloxone response.
WRIDS encouraged people to visit the Kitchener CTS site at 150 Duke St. West, which operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If someone overdoses, WRIDS suggests:
- Call 911
- Administer naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected
- Do not give stimulants (such as methamphetamine) as it can make the overdose worse.
- Help the victim until paramedics arrive
- Travel with the victim to the hospital.
Naloxone kits can be picked up for free at various locations in the Waterloo region. Information can be found at public health website or by calling 519-575-4400.
Reference-kitchener.ctvnews.ca