41 overdoses, four suspected drug-related deaths, in less than a week: WRIDS
The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS) has issued a community drug alert after dozens of overdoses were reported in less than a week.
Or, A community drug alert has been issued after dozens of overdoses were reported in Waterloo Region over the last week.
According to the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS), from June 28 to July 5, there was an increase in reported overdoses or drug poisonings, with 41 cases and four suspected drug-related deaths.
“The unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and unexpected reactions may occur,” WRIDS said in a news release.
The Kitchener CTS Drug Checking Program has detected samples of Flubromazolam (also known as “Liquid Xanax”), Xylazine, Fentanyl analogues, Medetomidine/dexmedetomidine and Bromazolam.
While a connection between the substances identified and the reported drug overdoses/poisonings is not known, details on these substances are included for the public’s information, officials said.
If there’s an overdose, WRIDS said people should follow these steps:
- Call 911.
- Administer naloxone if an opioid drug poisoning is suspected.
- Perform rescue breathing and/or chest compressions if necessary.
- Do not give any other substance(s) because this can make the overdose/drug poisoning worse.
- If the person shows no improvements, continue to give naloxone 2-3 minutes apart until paramedics arrive.
- If you have to leave the person unattended, put them in the recovery position.
To avoid an overdose, officials suggest not using substances alone, try a small amount first, use a less drugs if your tolerance is lower, avoid mixing substances, and have naloxone ready.
Officials also suggest using the Consumption & Treatment Services (CTS) site at 150 Duke Street West in Kitchener.
If you call 911, anyone involved is protected from charges due to the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
Missing B.C. climber died from fall on Mount Baker, medical examiner says
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.
Following child's death in Ontario, here's what you need to know about rabies and bats
An Ontario child died last month after coming into contact with a rabid bat in their bedroom, which was the first known human rabies case in Canada since 2019.
A French judge in a shocking rape case allows the public to see some of the video evidence
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for voting data scheme
A judge ripped into a Colorado county clerk for her crimes and lies before sentencing her Thursday to nine years behind bars for a data-breach scheme spawned from the rampant false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
Anne Hathaway confirms 'Princess Diaries 3': 'Miracles happen'
You might be thinking, 'Shut up!' but it’s officially true: the 'Princess Diaries' franchise is finally growing.
Youth pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of P.E.I. teen Tyson MacDonald
A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Sask. man pleads guilty in U.S. after unknowingly providing videos of men raping toddlers to FBI agent
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.