Increased EMS Responses and Severe and Unusual Drug Poisonings in the Community

There has been a high volume of EMS calls for suspect drug poisoning since June 30 along with multiple reports of severe and unusual overdoses in the community.

• Severe and unusual overdose symptoms such as paralysis, hallucinations, incoherence, prolonged sedation, requiring 4+ naloxone doses.
• Toxic Drug Supply: High-risk substances include tranq dope (fentanyl with xylazine/medetomidine), carfentanil, and colored down (yellow, red/white).
• Shifting Drug Supply: The Toronto Drug Checking Service reported a shift from benzodiazepines to veterinary tranquilizers like medetomidine and xylazine in fentanyl samples. Waterloo reports yellow/brown meth causing unconsciousness and medetomidine in many samples – often dark blue/green

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