Overdose Awareness

The Brantford Police Service is asking the community to be aware of the serious risks of drug use.

Please use caution when using any type of drug that is not prescribed to you. If you are a new drug user, you are particularly at risk should you use drugs that may be cut with or contain Fentanyl.

The number of suspected drug overdoses in our region, in the province, and across the country, continues to increase. Each of these is a preventable tragedy.

If you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately. If available give the person Naloxone. Naloxone is an emergency medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone, and morphine. You can give naloxone while you wait for emergency services to arrive. Remember naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose, but it can wear off before the person has completely recovered. Always call 9-1-1 and be treated by Emergency Medical Services.

If you yourself have taken drugs or have drugs on you, the Good Samaritan Law can protect you. The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 9-1-1 in the case of an overdose. This Law is in place to encourage and protect people who are witnessing or experiencing an overdose so they can seek help and save lives.

Reduce your risk of an overdose:

Never use alone
Go slow if you are using a new substance; always take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you
Do not mix substances, including alcohol, as it increases risk of overdose.
Call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone is overdosing, even if naloxone has been given
Know your source
Use where help is easily available
Be prepared to give breaths and/or administer Naloxone until help arrives. Have a kit accessible at all times and KNOW how to use it.

Know the signs of an overdose:

Can't stay awake
No strength or energy
Cold, clammy skin
Slow heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Slow, shallow breathing
Gurgling or snoring sounds
Lips and/or fingernails blue or purple
Non-responsive to shouting

For more information about opioids, including what to do if someone has an overdose and where to access harm reduction services, please visit the Grand Erie Public Health website.

To see the latest opioid-related statistics, please visit the Brant/Brantford Opioid Information System webpage.

The Brantford Police Service are an active member of the Brantford/Brant Community Drugs Strategy; a multi-stakeholder community initiative made up of a partnership including public health agencies and municipal organizations including Grand Erie Public Health, the Aids Network, Brantford Police Service, Grand River Community Healthcare System, Brant Community Healthcare System, Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services, Ontario Provincial Police, Brant FACS, the City of Brantford, County of Brant and Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services. SOAR Community Services.