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Reports

​Brant/Brantford Opioid Information System

The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is collaborating with the Brant Community Healthcare System, Brant-Brantford Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Brantford Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and St. Leonard’s to provide timely opioid-related information to the public, community partners, and individuals who use substances.

Alert

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Date: January 13, 2020
Issue: Increase in Suspected Opioid Overdoses in Brant

Over the weekend there were four suspected overdose deaths reported in Brant. These are currently under investigation by Brantford Police Service.

From January 1 to January 12, 2020, Brant EMS and Brantford Police responded to a total of 17 opioid overdose incidents, including four deaths. There were an average of 13 overdose incidents per month in 2019.

Information about drug types that contributed to the overdose incidents is unavailable at this time, but illicit drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil are known to be circulating in the community.

Reduce your risk of an overdose:

  • Never use alone.
  • Go slow if you are using a new substance; always take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you.
  • Know your source.
  • Carry naloxone - a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose.
  • Call 9-1-1, even if naloxone has been given.

Opioid Information Highlights

Opioid overdoses

In 2019 (January - Dec):

  • EMS responded to 129 incidents related to opioid overdose.
  • 7% fewer incidents compared to same period in 2018 (139 incidents).

In 2018:

  • EMS has responded to 139 incidents related to opioid overdose.
  • Most incidents involved males (71%) and those aged 20-39 (64%).
  • 35% fewer incidents compared to 2017 (213 incidents).

 

Naloxone

In 2019 (January - Dec)

4,524 naloxone kits distributed across  community:

  • 443 - by BCHU
  • 3,159 - by local pharmacies*
  • 922 - by community agencies

In 2018:

3,678 naloxone kits distributed across community:

    • 69 - by BCHU
    • 3,106 - by local pharmacies
    • 503 - by community agencies
* 2019 data not yet available for Pharmacies beyond September
(August to September preliminary)

Emergency Department (ED) visits

In 2019 (January - Dec):

  • There were 167 ED visits for opioid overdose.
  • 1.3 times more visits compared to same period in 2018 (129 ED visits).

In 2018:

  • 129 ED visits for opioid overdose.
  • Many visits were due to accidental overdose (85%).
  • 41% fewer visits compared to 2017 (204 ED visits).

 

Deaths

In 2019 (January - Dec):

  •  35 deaths (suspected**)

In 2018:  

  • 22 Brant residents died from opioid overdose 

In 2017:

  •  25 Brant residents died from opioid overdose.

**pending confirmation by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario


* last updated on January 14, 2020