With an "extremely concerning" spike in opioid-related calls for service, an alert has been issued about powerful opioids and toxic substances circulating in the area.
In the past week, Cochrane District EMS has responded to 11 suspected opioid-related calls for service, said Seamus Murphy, CMM II commander, in a news release.
“This is the most we have had in any week of 2022. This is extremely concerning, as we know that there are many overdoses that occur where EMS is not called," he said.
“This past week, we also experienced more overdose-related calls in surrounding communities, not just in Timmins."
Some of the calls were related to non-opioid substances such as meth and cocaine, said the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force. They remind people that any drug can contain powerful opioids.
People who use substances are encouraged not to use alone. In Timmins, there is a safe consumption site at 21 Cedar St. N. that's open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Other tips for people using substances are:
- When using with a friend, do not use at the same time. The National Overdose Response Line is available 24/7 at 1-888-688-6677.
- Avoid mixing substances
- Carry a naloxone ki
