Overdose alert issued in Waterloo Region; emergency crews respond to 28 in 3 days
Officials in Waterloo Region have issued an overdose alert after emergency crews responded to 28 suspected overdoses over the past three days.
The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS) tweeted the alert on Friday afternoon, warning of "several variations of coloured fentanyl" in the area.
"These batches are dangerous and may be stronger and/or contain substances that cause unexpected adverse reactions," an update on the WRIDS website said.
The update said emergency services responded to 28 suspected overdoses between Nov. 30 and Dec. 2. Staff at the Kitchener consumption and treatment services (CTS) site also reported responding to 14 suspected overdoses within that time frame.
Officials said front-line workers have seen an increase in green, blue, red, purple and "multi-coloured" fentanyl, often causing heavy sedation and needing a naloxone response.
WRIDS encouraged people visit the Kitchener CTS site at 150 Duke St. West, which operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If someone is overdosing, WRIDS suggests:
- Calling 911
- Administering naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected
- Do not give stimulants (such as crystal meth) as it can make the overdose worse
- Assisting the victim until paramedics arrive
- Travelling with the victim to the hospital
Naloxone kits can be picked up for free at various locations across Waterloo Region. Information can be found on public health's website or calling 519-575-4400.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
