Record number of opioid deaths in Windsor area

(© Can Stock Photo / Sheri_Armstrong)

By Paul PedroJune 19, 2019 at 17h41@PaulPedroNews

Opioid-related deaths in Windsor-Esbad continue to increase.

The latest report from Public Health Ontario (OPH) indicated that there had been a record 48 opioid-related deaths in the Windsor area last year, up from 36 the previous year. The report also showed that two deaths in November and one in December were probably caused by opioids.

The figures showed that 25 of the 36 deaths in 2017 were men, mostly 25 to 44 years old.

PHO also reports that fentanyl is responsible for most deaths in the region.

According to statistics, there were 1,337 opioid-related deaths in Ontario between July 2017 and June 2018, of which 1,209 were considered accidental.

According to the PHO, nearly 60% of the incidents occurred in the deceased's home, 17% in another person's home and approximately 12% in another dwelling, such as a rooming house, hotel or motel, shelter or home. housing with support services. it is important to note that people were most often alone at the time of overdose, at home.

The report also revealed that an attempt at resuscitation had been made in about half of the deaths and that naloxone had been administered by first responders, hospital staff or bystanders in 22% of the accidental deaths.

"We hope that a better understanding of those most at risk of life-threatening opioid overdose and their condition may help programs and services prevent these deaths in Ontario," said Dr. Tara Gomes, Principal Investigator, Ontario Network. research on drug policy.

The agency said that since 2003, the number of deaths had increased by 246%.

More than 1,250 Ontarians have died of opioid-related causes in 2017.

Opioids are natural or synthetic substances used to reduce pain in a clinical setting, but are also produced and consumed in a non-medical manner. Common opioids include oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl. Although they may be an effective component of pain management in some patients under medical supervision, opioid-related harms, such as drug addiction and overdose, pose a significant challenge to public health.