Peterborough Public Health Warns Public of Increased Suspected Opioid Poisonings

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has detected increases in Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service from possible opioid poisonings.

Stock photo.

“Peterborough Public Health has seen an unusual increase in opioid-related harms,” said Jocelyn Qualtrough, PPH health promoter. “We have been communicating with partners and now we are reaching out to the public as part of our enhanced response in hopes to prevent further harm for the community.”

Six unique overdose-related incidents for which medical attention was sought, including Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service on Tuesday.

In the last week, there have been 13 overdose-related emergency department visits and ten opioid-related paramedic calls for service. Due to this increase, Peterborough Public Health is issuing a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harm in the community.

For the prevention of drug-related harms, Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:

  • Do not use drugs alone.

  • If using with a friend, do not use at exactly the same time.

  • If using alone, have a plan. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.

  • Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

  • Avoid mixing drugs.

  • Test your drug by using a small amount first.

  • Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

  • Skin is cold and clammy

  • Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

  • Body is very limp

  • Cannot wake the person up

  • Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

  • Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

  • Pupils are very small

“Recognize the signs of opioid overdose,” said Qualtrough. “If an overdose is witnessed, call 911, give naloxone and stay with that person until help arrives.”

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

PPPH is also encouraging members of the public to use the recently launched ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. This tool is an anonymous survey to report overdose incidents and harms in the community.

Any information shared through the survey supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing overdoses in the Peterborough Area.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit PPH’s website and search for “Opioids.”

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