Local health officials are alerting the public to an increase in drug overdoses within Chatham-Kent.
CK Public Health said there is evidence of an increase of poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances based on recent EMS calls, emergency department visits, and suspected drug‑related deaths. Health officials have not provided recent statistics.
According to the health unit, community partners are concerned that medetomidine may be present in the local drug supply, contributing to increased risk of drug overdoses.
Medetomidine is a strong veterinary sedative that can cause deep sleepiness, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, very low or no pulse, and hallucinations. The drug may require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse an overdose, and withdrawal is considered a medical emergency that may require hospitalization.
Anyone who witnesses an opioid overdose is urged to call 911, administer naloxone, and stay with the person until paramedics arrive.
For more information on about where you can get a free naloxone kit, click here.
