A group of Windsor-Essex agencies monitoring opioid use has issued an alert following a sharp increase in overdose-related emergency room visits.
The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) said that 30 suspected opioid overdoses were treated in local emergency departments between September 27 and October 3.
Seventeen of those visits involved fentanyl.
"Partners involved in the WECOSS, 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, continue to monitor this increase and are working to understand more about these reported cases," read the alert from WECOSS.
WECOSS has provided safety tips for those who use opioids, including a suggestion not to use alone, trying a small amount at first, not mixing substances, and not having everyone present use at the same time.
Symptoms of a potential overdose include slurred or slow speech, being unresponsive, gurgling or snoring noises, small pupils, blue lips or fingernails, or cold, clammy skin.
If something does not feel right, seek medical assistance or call 911 immediately.
