There’s a drug overdose alert in effect in Renfrew County and now the Ottawa Police Service is warning of an alarming number of overdoses.
Last week, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) issued the overdose alert after an increase in overdoses in the area.
“Purple” and “Yellow” Fentanyl are circulating in communities across Renfrew County and District.
Acting Commander Steve Osipenko says the County of Renfrew Paramedics have noticed a sharp increase in opioid overdose calls in the past few weeks.
The Ottawa Police Service and its partners continue to see a high number of overdoses in the city.
This year, police in Ottawa have responded to 91 calls for service involving drug overdoses with 21 deaths.
Inspector Carl Cartright says anything can be cut with fentanyl. He says this means there is no way to be sure of what is exactly in drugs obtained from anywhere other than a pharmacy.
Just last week, officers responded to a call for an unconscious man in overdose in the ByWard Market area. After assessing the man, Naloxone was administered and the man was revived.
The RCDHU would like to remind residents that street drugs may contain other drugs such as benzodiazepines (i.e., Xanax) for which naloxone is not effective.
Overdose alert for Renfrew County with “Purple” and “Yellow” fentanyl circulating