“Unfortunately, we are in the middle of dual health crises. So we have to handle the one that is before us, but not forget the one that already existed, pre-pandemic."
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There’s more than one health crisis claiming lives in Ottawa.
The local police service said Friday that an “alarming number” of drug overdoses were continuing to occur. Ottawa police officers have responded to 91 overdose-related calls for service this year, recording 21 associated deaths. In 2020, there were 542 calls, with 83 people losing their lives.
And by no means do these figures capture all overdoses happening in the city, said Insp. Carl Cartright, whose portfolio includes the Ottawa Police Service’s drug unit. While the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed much our collective attention, the opioid crisis has raged on.
“Unfortunately, we are in the middle of dual health crises. So we have to handle the one that is before us, but not forget the one that already existed, pre-pandemic. It is still with us,” Cartright said.
In Friday’s OPS advisory, Cartright warned that anything could be cut with fentanyl, and you’re dealing with unknown toxicity if you’re getting drugs from a dealer, a friend, the Internet or other non-pharmacy sources.
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“We’re seeing people die from their first time trying drugs, and we’re seeing people dying who’ve been addicted for years,” he said.
Cartright said he sees overdoses happening everywhere in the city — from Orléans to Barrhaven to the downtown core.
“And I hope people realize we’re not talking about the unfortunate individuals that are living through poverty, who are on our streets. Yes, we’re seeing those, too, but this is not limited to them.”
All OPS patrol officers carry Naloxone, a drug that can temporarily counter the effects of an opioid overdose. OPS officers administered Naloxone 115 times in 2020, and the service says 103 lives were saved. In 2021 so far, eight people have been given another chance at life through deployment of the medication.
The police service encouraged those with friends or family members who use drugs to know the signs of overdose, which can include slow or no breathing, blue nails and lips, absence of movement, gurgling, snoring or choking sounds, inability to wake up, cold and clammy skin or tiny pupils. Call 911 immediately if you witness an overdose, police encouraged, and give Naloxone, perform chest compressions and/or rescue breathing and stay with the person.
What can the average Ottawan do to help?
“Educate yourself,” Cartright said, and be prepared to deal with an overdose as you would a heart attack or other health emergency.
“It’s not a bad thing to have Narcan on your person. It’s not bad to have Narcan at your residence,” he said, referring to the Naloxone brand name.
The OPS advisory invited those who used drugs to consider visiting oneof four supervised consumption and treatment services locations in the city: 179 Clarence St.; the Ottawa Inner City Health trailer at 230 Murray St.; and the Sandy Hill and Somerset West community health centres.
They were also reminded never to use alone, not to mix drugs and to take it slow when using.
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March 13, 2021 at 07:22AM
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Police flag "alarming" number of overdoses continuing to occur in Ottawa - Ottawa Citizen
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