The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy is once again warning the community about unregulated drug supply causing illness and death.
In the time frame spanning Jan. 10 to 22, six suspected overdose or poisoning-related deaths have been recorded, with four happening within the last week.
Over the last month, the Drug Checking Program at the Kitchener Consumption and Treatment Services site detected samples of fentanyl combined with other substances, including Para-fluorofentanyl, Bromazolam and Xylazine.
With the potential for unpredictable and unexpected reactions, WRIDS is advising that multiple doses of naloxone may be required.
If someone you know is overdosing, WRIDS advises to do the following: call 911, administer naloxone if an opioid drug poisoning is suspected, perform rescue breathing and/or chest compressions and don't give any other substance(s) because this can make the drug poisoning worse.
If no improvement is seen, continue to give naloxone two to three minutes apart until paramedics arrive and if you have to leave the person unattended, put them in the recovery position.
For more information on the alert visit waterlooregiondrugstrategy.ca.
