(HURON COUNTY, ON) - Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public of the serious dangers of the misuse and abuse of opioids, in particular fentanyl. Huron OPP officers and paramedics from Huron County Paramedic Services are credited with saving two lives yesterday (17June) in Huron County after responding to two unrelated suspected fentanyl overdoses.
The first occurrence took place just after 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 18, 2019 when police received a call to attend an address located east of Bayfield on Wildwood Line for a 25-year-old male in medical distress.
The second occurrence took place at approximately 4:00 p.m. when officers responded to a residence located on King Street in Hensall to assist an 18-year-old female that was in medical distress.
In both instances officers provided life-saving first aid by administering Naloxone. Upon administering Naloxone to the subjects they both began to breathe and both individuals regained consciousness. Both subjects were then transported to local hospitals for further care.
Huron County OPP is reminding the public of the dangers of opioid based drugs including fentanyl. Please understand fentanyl is a very potent and dangerous opioid pain reliever. You can't see, taste, or smell fentanyl and few grains can be enough to kill you.
"In both instances yesterday, citizens remained on scene and contacted 9-1-1 immediately. Officers and paramedics quickly responded to the scene, correctly assessed the situation and utilized their training to help save two lives. The dangers are very real and we are very concerned about the safety of our citizens. Preserving life is first and foremost. If you need help, please make that call".
- Huron County OPP Staff Sergeant - Dave SINKO
If you suspect someone is overdosing or is in medical distress don't delay, contact 9-1-1 immediately. Remember, the OPP supports Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act that provides protection from charges for individuals at the scene of a drug overdose for simple drug possession. Please don't fear charges, stay at the scene and stay with a victim in the event of an overdose.