There has been a significant increase in drug overdoses in Renfrew County.
This morning (May 12th, 2021), Chief Paramedic and Director of Emergency Services for the County of Renfrew, Michael Nolan, told members of the Health Committee that one year ago, Paramedics in Renfrew County responded to approximately one overdose per week, two months ago, it was approximately two per week, last month Paramedics responded to one overdose per day and this past week there have been multiple overdoses daily.
In 2017 and 2018 Renfrew County Paramedics responded to 16 overdoses, in 2019 there was 18 calls and in 2020 paramedics were called to 24 overdoses.
Nolan says from January to May 10th of 2021, paramedics have responded 28 overdoses, not including ones that have been fatal.
The Chief Paramedic in Renfrew County says staff have raised the alarm about the overdose situation.
Nolan says they’re seeing prescription and non-prescription overdoses and mail order recreational drug use that has unintended consequences associated with opioids.
The Health Committee will recommend to county council that the Warden prepare a letter to the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) acknowledging the opioid crisis in the county and engage and collaborate with RCDHU staff and Renfrew County Paramedics to address the concern.
The RCDHU and Renfrew County Paramedics will work together to train and provide Naloxone to community members who identify as opioid users, users at risk of relapse and family and friends of opioid users.
Staff are working through the logistics of Naloxone supply and training for Paramedics and it’s anticipated Naloxone kits will be available for distribution by Paramedics shortly.
The next steps would be working towards the acceptance and usage of Naloxone by the community.
Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
Renfrew County Warden and Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus (EOWC), Debbie Robinson, says she will be bringing this information to the next EOWC meeting.
Pembroke Mayor Mike Lemay says they realize this is a serious problem within the city that has to be addressed and a report will be brought to council for review.
