WECOSS says 30 opioid overdoses were seen in Windsor-Essex emergency departments Sept

Overdose alert: WECOSS says 30 opioid overdoses were seen in Windsor-Essex emergency departments Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, 17 involving fentanyl. If you use, don't use alone, start low and go slow, avoid mixing and have naloxone ready. Overdose? Call 911.

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The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) issued the alert on Monday, Oct. 5, after the Opioid and Substance Use Notification System identified an elevated number of opioid overdoses over the seven-day period.

WECOSS partners, including the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Windsor Regional Hospital, Essex-Windsor EMS, Erie Shores HealthCare, the Office of the Chief Coroner and police services, are monitoring the increase and working to understand more about the reported cases. WECOSS asks anyone aware of links between the cases, or other causes for the increase, to contact the health unit.

Safety tips

WECOSS advises people who use opioids not to use alone, to try a very small amount first, not to use at the exact same time as a friend, and to avoid mixing substances. It also advises having naloxone ready and calling 911 right away if something does not feel right. The National Overdose Response Service runs a confidential 24/7 line at 1-888-688-6677 for support while using substances.

Signs of an overdose

Signs include not responding or not waking up, slow or absent breathing, snoring or gurgling sounds, blue lips or fingernails, cold and clammy skin, and very small pupils. WECOSS says to shout and shake the person's shoulders, call 911 if they do not respond, give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected, and give rescue breaths or chest compressions. If there is no improvement after two to three minutes, repeat the naloxone and breathing or compressions. Stay with the person. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call for help.

Free naloxone

Naloxone kits are free at participating pharmacies, with no prescription or Ontario health card needed, according to the Province of Ontario and the health unit. Ontario's website has a map of participating locations. WECOSS also lists local community organizations that provide kits.