Timmins-area opioid overdoses reach crisis level, officials say
Over the past week, the Porcupine Health Unit has issued two alerts warning people about an increase in the number of opioid overdoses and deaths in the Timmins-area.
Health officials in the area told CTV News the issue has now reached a crisis level.
Since March 2, the Timmins’ Opioid Emergency Response Task Force has issued two warnings about suspected opioid overdoses and deaths.
"Since then we have had more tragic outcomes,” said Tina Brunet with the health unit.
“As a task force (we decided) that we really need to hammer into people’s minds that this is a crisis right now."
According to health officials in the area, the street supply of opioids may be laced with sedatives. These laced drugs may be one of the reasons for the increase in calls and deaths.
“They can affect someone’s time (that they are) out and so they won’t rouse as quickly,” said Brunet.
“(It) increases their risk of death by having an opioid in their system as well as one of these sedatives.”
Officials said that more naloxone is needed to reverse an overdose when sedatives are also present in the patient.
“We want you to have enough naloxone on hand to be able to push it every two to three minutes if you’re in a situation where you can help someone,” said Brunet.
Brunet told CTV News that people need to be reminded that inhalation or smoking of the drugs is just as risky for overdose deaths.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Jean Carriere is Cochrane District’s Chief Paramedic and said his crews have responded to four suspected opioid-related deaths in the past couple of weeks.
Carriere said “never use alone.”
“It may not be the people who are using that are going to see this, but it’ll be their family, their loved ones, their friends who can absolutely point this out,” he said.
The Health Unit said in its releases, this is not just a Timmins issue, reports are coming from other communities in the area it serves and everyone needs to be prepared.
Paramedics also told CTV News that there is a misconception that only people who are homeless are overdosing.
Carriere said paramedics are responding to calls from people throughout the city – even from people who live with their families.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.