Three people have died in the Town of Halton Hills after they inhaled an unidentified substance, police say.
The department issued a public safety message Sunday asking residents to be vigilant and aware after two separate suspected opioid poisoning calls resulted in three people losing their lives.
“Since May 24, 2024, HRPS has responded to two separate suspected opioid poisoning incidents located in the Town of Halton Hills,” the release reads. “Thus far a total of three people, two males and one female, have died as a result of the suspected inhalation of an as yet unidentified substance.”
Public Safety Message: The Halton Regional Police Service is requesting vigilance and continued public awareness in the wake of recent opioid poisoning deaths in the Town of Halton Hills. Please refer to the attached media release:https://t.co/JyXZk3oS8T pic.twitter.com/TrYLV3dfCG
— Halton Police (@HaltonPolice) May 26, 2024
The department says that police and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario are investigating the deaths.
Officials have not provided any further details on the substance itself.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to phone police by calling 905-825-4777, extension 2416.
The force says that its frontline officers and other first responders across Halton carry naloxone, and “want to assist.”
“The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during a drug poisoning, including the person experiencing the poisoning. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.”
READ MORE: Overdose crisis increases as drug prevention groups sound alarm
Recognize the signs of an overdose
Police took the opportunity to remind the public to never use alone, or at the same time as another person.
Currently, an opioid crisis has taken hold of the country. Many street drugs are cut (or cross-contaminated) with other substances.
Health authorities across Canada recommend all drug users carry a Naloxone kit.
In the Halton Region, they can be acquired for free from Halton Region Harm Reduction Services, Halton Region Sexual Health clinics.
Across Ontario, most pharmacies offer them free of charge, no questions asked.
The effects of an overdose can temporarily be reversed with Naloxone.
Someone suffering from a drug poisoning may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake;
- blue lips or nails;
- very small pupils;
- cold and clammy skin;
- dizziness and confusion;
- extreme drowsiness;
- choking, gurgling or snoring sounds;
- slow, weak, or no breathing; and
- inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at.
If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 and if possible, administer Naloxone.