Northumberland Paramedics alert community to risks of toxic drug supply

Cobourg, ON – August 22, 2024 - Northumberland Paramedics are echoing a recent alert from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit), warning residents about the heightened risk of overdose related to the toxicity of the unregulated drug supply, after responding to multiple suspected overdose calls in the past three weeks.

The HKPR District Health Unit issued an alert on August 13, 2024, due to a notable increase in suspected opioid drug poisonings in Northumberland County.  Between August 1 and August 22, Northumberland Paramedics have responded to 12 calls related to suspected drug overdoses.

Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• Difficulty walking, talking, staying awake
• Blue or grey lips or nails
• Very small pupils
• Cold and clammy skin
• Dizziness and confusion
• Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at

How to respond to an overdose: In all cases of suspected overdose, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency help.

• Give Naloxone, to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, while awaiting emergency response.
• Perform chest compressions and/or rescue breathing as required.
  • Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act outlines legal protection for anyone trying to help in an emergency.

Follow these harm reduction practices to reduce risk of overdose:

• Carry naloxone – Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone Kits are available at no cost in Ontario. Free kits are available at the HKPR District Health Unit office at 200 Rose Glen Road, Port Hope, or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit to find a participating pharmacy near you.
• Test your drugs - Visit: Harm Reduction Supplies and Supports | HKPR District Health Unit.
• Don’t use alone  –  A buddy system is safer than using alone. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the exact same time.
• If you do use alone, tell someone before you use – Have a safety plan which includes having someone come check on you.
• Don’t mix drugs – Using more than one drug at a time puts you at a higher risk of overdose.
• Know your tolerance – Your risk of overdose increases if you are a new user or haven't used in more than three days.
• Go slow – The toxicity of unregulated drugs is unpredictable.

Access support: 

• Contact the National Overdose Response Service by calling 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
• Substance use counselling and treatments are offered through Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics or Four Counties Addiction Services Team (Fourcast)  
• Call or text 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline for 24/7 support with emotional distress or if you are thinking about suicide.
• Visit the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit's Opioids and Naloxone Programs and Drug Poisoning webpage.