Hamilton reporting increase in opioid-related overdoses, warning about “new deadly substance”
Published December 4, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Following an increase in paramedic calls for suspected opioid-related overdoses, the city says there is likely a new deadly substance in the community.
The increase in calls was observed between November 30 and December 3, and Hamilton Public Health says they’ve received reports of a stronger fentanyl/carfentanil substance circulating locally.
“Reports from the frontline indicate there is a stronger fentanyl/carfentanil substance in the area that is being linked to increased overdoses that are difficult to reverse,” said public health.
“It is likely there is a new deadly substance circulating in the community.”
Public health is reminding residents that an opioid overdose is a medical emergency, and to keep in mind the 4 C’s of safety: Careful use, Carry Naloxone, Call 911, and CPR.
The city is also providing free overdose response training and naloxone kits through its Hamilton Overdose Prevention Education (HOPE) program.
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More information, including where residents can get a free Naloxone overdose prevention kit and training, is available at the city’s website.
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