On-going High Numbers of Paramedic Responses to Drug Poisonings in Hamilton

Since January 2026, persistent high numbers of paramedic responses to overdoses in Hamilton point to ongoing high risk in the community.  

• High risk of opioid drugs contaminated with benzodiazepines and medetomidine causing heavy sedation and reduced response to Naloxone
• Reports of Crystal meth drugs contaminated with fentanyl, increasing the risk of unexpected opioid poisoning.

Harm Reduction Safer Use Tips

• Careful Use - Test the effect with small amounts first and don’t use alone
  • Call the overdose prevention line: 1-888-688-6677
  • Carry Naloxone - To get a FREE naloxone kit & training call 905-546-4276 or visit www.hamilton.ca/naloxone
• Call 911 for every drug poisoning
• Perform CPR - Push hard, push fast
• Focus on breathing – with prolonged sedation the person may not wake up fully, but may be breathing normally