The city’s health unit said the fatal suspected opioid calls received by Toronto Paramedic Services all occurred in the past four weeks.
(1/3) #DrugAlert: In the past 4 weeks, there has been a ⬆ in the number of fatal suspected opioid calls, including 3 separate incidents where there were at least 5 fatal calls within a 4-day period. More information:
— Toronto Public Health (@TOPublicHealth) November 16, 2022
According to the Toronto Drug Enforcement Agency, higher than usual concentrations of fentanyl were found in fentanyl substances, especially in the downtown core.
Further, the Center for Drug Policy Evaluation, as it is also known, noted an increase in benzodiazepine-related drugs and the highly potent carfentanil in fentanyl samples.
A range of substances were involved in the fatal overdose, which happened in “a variety of neighbourhoods” across Toronto, public health said.
“Fentanyl continues to appear in the local drug supply in a variety of colors with unpredictable potency and contamination,” TPH said in its Nov. 16 warning.
“Higher-potency fentanyl combined with carfentanil and benzodiazepine-related drugs may increase the risk of overdose, and additional supports may be required to resuscitate individuals experiencing overdose.”
People who use drugs are advised to try not to use drugs themselves. use a supervised consumption service if possible. vet their supply; check what’s in their drugs at your local drug testing agency. and take naloxone.
Those who use drugs alone are encouraged to have someone check them in person or over the phone, consider calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 (NORS) or connect with community members virtually.
“Always call 911 when someone is experiencing an overdose, especially if someone is unresponsive to naloxone,” TPH noted.
