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Overdose calls spike in Sudbury last year

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The number of calls to 911 related to opioid consumption spiked in Sudbury last year.

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In 2018, paramedics responded to 173 calls about suspected overdoses, up 88 per cent over 2015 numbers. The numbers have been creeping upwards steadily since then. Four years ago, there were 58 calls; in 2016, there were 66; and in 2017, paramedics responded to 92 calls related to opioids.

Last year, August, November and December proved to be the busiest for paramedics, with 19, 22 and 23 calls, respectively. In fact, in August, a community opioid alert was issued by the community drug strategy “when alerted by paramedic services staff of a surge in suspected opioid overdoses; eight suspected opioid overdoses within the first four days.” A second public service announcement was issued in December as a result of eight suspected opioid overdoses over a 27-hour period between Dec. 20-21.

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“Prescription opioids are used by doctors, nurse practitioners and dentists to treat moderate to severe pain,” a staff report going to the emergency services committee next week indicates. “Misusing prescribed opioids or taking street opioids can lead to addiction, overdose and even death. Some commonly prescribed opioids include codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine and oxycodone. Street opioids include any of the aforementioned opioids in their original or fake form, such as street fentanyl and heroin. Fentanyl and Carfentanyl are some of the most potent opioids and both have been found in Ontario street drugs. Management of opioid overdoses by paramedic services personnel includes airway management, and continuous assessment of oxygenation and ventilation, along with administration of naloxone in select cases.”

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In 2018, members of the public administered naloxone nearly twice as often as did paramedics.

Last year, naloxone was used 39 times by paramedics and 70 times by members of the public. In 2017, it was administered by non-paramedic individuals only nine times, whereas paramedics administered naloxone 36 times.

“Public naloxone administration is increasing and paramedic-administered naloxone numbers are decreasing as access to naloxone becomes more readily available to the public,” the report indicates.

Free naloxone kits are available to the public. For a free kit, Public Health Sudbury and Districts encourages residents to contact The Point at PHSD; Réseau Access Network, 111 Larch St.; or the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth, 95 Pine St. You may also speak with your local pharmacist.

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Overdose symptoms include blue lips or nails; an inability to be woken up; dizziness and confusion; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds; slow, weak or lack of breathing; and drowsiness or difficulty staying awake. In order to prevent an overdose, PHSD recommends the following:

– Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed medications, over-the-counter and illegal drugs.

– Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.

– Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.

– If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.

– Avoid using drugs when you are alone.

– Carry a naloxone kit.

– Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

mkkeown@postmedia.com

Twitter: @marykkeown

705 674 5271 ext. 505235

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