Media Release
Hamilton seeing surge in opioids related paramedic response
HAMILTON, ON - September 15, 2017 - Since September 1 Hamilton has seen an increase in the number of paramedic responses for suspected opioid overdose events, compared to previous months. Between September 1 and 10, there were 29 events, compared to 40 events in August.
While other indicators used in Hamilton’s Opioid Information System are not demonstrating a similar pattern, Public Health Services, Hamilton Paramedic Services along with our partners at Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton are taking steps to get better, more reliable data in order to better understand root causes. There are likely many contributing factors to the current increase in paramedic events including that more people are calling 9-1-1 when experiencing symptoms of opioid overdose due to increased awareness of the Good Samaritan Overdose Act.
As a precautionary measure Public Health Services is increasing access to naloxone in the community by adding additional service hours to the Van Needle Syringe program, and continuing to promote harm reduction messaging with those at highest risk for opioid overdose so they are aware of the risks and precautions.
Fentanyl laced methamphetamine warning
Public Health Services has received reports of fentanyl laced methamphetamine circulating in the community serving as an important reminder to the community that street drugs can be cut (mixed) with substances such as fentanyl.
There is no way for a user of street drugs to know for sure what they are taking – use of street drugs can kill you or alter your health status permanently. If you are going to use drugs take precautions which include:
- Careful use - don’t use alone, go slow by testing effect with small amounts first;
- Carry naloxone
- Call 9-1-1 for every overdose - you, your friend or family member needs hospital care to survive;
- CPR - push hard, push fast
Quick facts
Opioid-related deaths are increasing annually in Hamilton, and across the province. Preliminary numbers from the Office of the Chief Coroner indicate that 52 Hamilton residents died from opioid toxicity in 2016 - the highest yearly number of deaths compared to the previous 10 years.
- Since January 10, 2017 Hamilton Paramedic Services responded to 264 calls related to opioid overdoses.
- In 2016, Hamilton Public Health Services distributed a total of 462 naloxone kits, and 192 people were reported as being revived by the kits. In 2017, 1027 kits have been distributed to date at least 253 people have been revived
Additional resources
Tags
People & Programs
Public Health
Opioid Crisis
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