Chatham-Kent emergency medical services have been responding to an increase in calls related to overdoses, most of which involve fentanyl.
On average, EMS responds to five overdose calls per month. This week, there have been seven such calls. However, that does not mean there are more drugs in the region, according to Chatham-Kent EMS general manager Donald MacLellan.
"It can change day-to-day or month-to-month on how many we do see," he said. "It's all based on how people are consuming it, how much they are consuming, and then sometimes they are just consuming in the unknown."
The most recent reporting period for opioid overdoses come from hospital data between April 15 and April 21. During that span, there were five or fewer overdoses. Health authorities will not release the exact number of cases if there were less than five overdoses. In recent years, the use of opioids has become more prevalent in the region, said MacLellan. He is, however, reluctant to categorize it as a major problem.
"To say we have a crisis ... I don't think we're there yet," he said. "We know there is a higher than normal use of opioids."
MacLellan added there are other forms of drugs that are present in the community, including crystal methamphetamine.
According to Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health for Chatham-Kent, determining whether or not there is a bigger issue in the region will not happen overnight.
"Only with time will I be able to determine whether this is just a random noise fluctuation or the beginning of an issue," he said. "Only by following this over the next few weeks will I be able to know."
Signs of an overdose could include drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and shallow breathing, said MacLellan.
Chatham-Kent EMS is reminding residents if they see someone who may be overdosing, treat them with naloxone if it is available to them. McLellan advises residents to call 9-1-1 whether naloxone is available or not, just to be safe.