"Over a period of eight days, from Dec. 20 to Dec. 28, paramedics responded to 122 calls related to suspected opioid overdoses, according to a news release from TPH. That's more than during similar periods in 2024 or 2023, the release stated. Five of those overdoses were fatal, which is about the same as last year, TPH said."
"Many opioid samples were contaminated with other dangerous drugs, public health said, citing recent findings from the city's drug checking service. Fentanyl samples in Toronto contained significantly higher than usual amounts of para-fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid similar to but stronger than fentanyl, the release stated. The service also found 81 per cent of fentanyl samples they checked from the 13 through the 26 of December were laced with medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer that can dangerously reduce breathing, blood pressure and heart rate."
"Paramedics received 35 per cent more overdose calls over the holidays this year compared to the last two years, Toronto Public Health (TPH) said. Toronto paramedics received about eight calls a day reporting overdoses from January through November, public health said. But, in December, the number of daily calls rose to 11. The holiday season can be a challenging time for some. Feelings of stress or social isolation may intensify at this time of year, which can affect people's substance use,"
Paramedics responded to 122 suspected opioid overdose calls between Dec. 20 and Dec. 28, a 35% increase compared with similar holiday periods in the previous two years. Five overdoses were fatal, matching last year’s fatal count. Daily overdose calls averaged about eight per day from January through November and rose to 11 per day in December. The holiday season can heighten stress and social isolation, which may affect substance use. Drug checking identified higher-than-usual para-fluorofentanyl in fentanyl samples and found 81% of checked samples (Dec. 13–26) laced with medetomidine. Carry naloxone, avoid using alone, and buddy up with someone trusted.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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