Island Health has issued an urgent advisory to drug users warning of a spike in overdoses in Victoria in the past 24 hours.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick says 6 people ended up in hospital, with VicPd reporting 7 overdoses in a half hour period Thursday, and ambulance crews reporting they dealt with 9 overdoses.
Stanwick says this past week people received assistance cheques, so addicted persons have money to buy their drugs. He says this may be coinciding with a supply of pure product on the market, or the supply is tainted with fentanyl or carfentanil.
The agency says if you see someone overdosing call 911 right away, provide rescue breathing, give naloxone, and stay with the person until help arrives.
Drug users are also being advised to carry naloxone, and have a response plan. Other advice includes trying just a little bit before doing a regular hit, not doing drugs alone, or going to one of the 4 Overdose Prevention Sites in the city, and staggering use with friends so someone can respond if needed.