Spike in ER Visits Could Be Linked To Purple Fentanyl

Wednesday, 5 February 2020 08:58

Southwestern Public Health noticed an alarming spike in the amount of overdoses in the area towards the end of last month, 19 people visited the ER between January 19th to February 1st.

OXFORD / ELGIN - Southwestern Public Health officials are worried about a spike in emergency room visits last month in both Oxford and Elgin County.

During the last two weeks of January, 19 people visited the ER with a suspected overdose in our region. Normally we have on average 5 of these visits per week. Program Manager with SW Public Health Joanne Andrews says the numbers spiked after a warning about purple fentanyl.

"There could be a link between the substances being used and the increase in opioid overdoses and in a previous alert, we notified to be aware of purple fentanyl, however there could be different substances of a different colour that could produce a similar effect, so cause an overdose in a situation where a drug is stronger than someone who is using it, is expecting."

Andrews says she doesn't have information regarding how many of these overdoses were fatal.

"The data we have is from the hospitals, but part of the other information that we collect is just from what people are telling us and that information may be about suspected deaths or they had heard about a death and they are telling us about that."

Andrews says that if you or a loved one is using opioids, please carry a Naloxone kit with you, it could make the difference between life and death. Naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies, SW Public Health and other community agencies.

In the case of an overdose you should:

- Call 911
- Give Naloxone if you suspect the overdose was caused by an opioid.
- Stay with and assist the person until paramedics arrive.
- The person should go to the hospital with paramedics for further treatment.

If you are using substances:

- Don't use alone.
- Avoid mixing substances.
- Start with a small amount.
- Carry a Naloxone kit.

For more information on opioid use and addiction, visit SW Public Health online here.