Lambton Public Health (LPH) has issued an advisory after receiving reports of 10 suspected opioid overdoses/toxicity since Thursday, June 29.
The health unit said the number is higher than average, compared to recent monitoring data.
As a result, LPH is urging people to use caution when using opioids or if using drugs not prescribed to you.
The health unit advises that you never use drugs alone, don't mix drugs with alcohol, know the signs of an opioid overdose and carry a Naloxone kit.
LPH said signs of an opioid overdose/toxicity include:
• difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
• blue or grey lips or nails
• very small pupils
• cold and clammy skin
• dizziness and confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• slow, weak, or no breathing
• inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
LPH said free Naloxone kits are available at its Exmouth Street site, local pharmacies, and several partner agencies including community health centres.
In the event of a suspected opioid overdose/toxicity you're asked to call 911 and stay at the scene to provide information to paramedics. If you have Naloxone with you, you're asked to administer it and know that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you.
