A series of opioid-related overdoes have prompted a warning from police in New Brunswick’s capital.
Fredericton police Chief Leanne Fitch says they responded to two non-fatal overdoses within a 48-hour period this past week.
“I don’t wish to raise alarm,” said Fitch in a statement. “However, opioids are a concern across Canada and we work together with community partners to protect our community from those drugs.”
Public advisory on opioid use in Fredericton: https://t.co/a15oOAHalU pic.twitter.com/Vad7uwOCVz
— Fredericton Police (@CityFredPolice) February 1, 2019
Health Canada says there were 3,998 apparent opioid-related deaths across the country in 2017 and another 2,066 during the first six months of 2018.
In New Brunswick, there were 36 apparent opioid-related deaths reported in 2017 and 10 during the first half of 2018.
Close to 72 per cent of the deaths involved fentanyl and other fentanyl-related substances.
Across Canada, an average of 17 people were hospitalized for opioid poisonings in each day in 2017.
Fitch said you should call 9-1-1 right away if you see someone in medical distress.
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