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
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.