The number of opioid related hospital visits and deaths across Simcoe County and Muskoka saw an uptick in early 2026, compared to the year prior. The latest available data from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says there were 152 visits to the emergency room as a result of opioid toxicity between January and March of this year. The SMHDU recorded 19 opioid related deaths in that same time frame. Between Jan. and March of 2025, 127 people visited emergency rooms due to opioid toxicity and there were 17 reported opioid related deaths. The SMDHU says opioids are commonly prescribed as pain killers, but the drug has become a popular substance that people use recreationally. The SMDHU says improper use of the drug is dangerous, as not only can it be highly addictive, but excessive use of it can lead to opioid toxicity or even death. In an effort to help those suffering from an overdose, the SMDHU shared a video on social media highlighting the use of Naloxone. What is Naloxone? Naloxone is an antidote to opioid overdose/poisoning, according to the SMDHU. Naloxone binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, however, it binds “more effectively” to these receptors and temporarily removes the opioid(s) and their harmful effects, the health unit says. In the case of an opioid poisoning or overdose, Naloxone can be administered nasally, but the SMDHU first encourages residents to familiarize themselves with signs of an overdose. Recognize the signs The SMDHU says if someone is suffering from blue, purple, or grey lips, fingernails, or toenails, if they have very slow breathing or they are not breathing at all, if their pulse is faint or they have no pulse, these are all signs they may be suffering from opioid poisoning. Additional signs include pale and clammy skin, falling asleep or loss of consciousness, if they are choking, snoring or making gurgling sounds, have a limp body or if they appear to have small, constricted ‘pinpoint’ pupils. How do you use Naloxone? The health unit says if you come across someone who you believe is having an overdose, you should start by trying to wake them by shouting their name and shaking their shoulders. If the person does not respond, then call 911. Then, the health unit says, using proper safety equipment like gloves (which are often included in a naloxone kit), remove the nasal spray from its packaging, insert the nozzle into the person’s nostril and press the plunger on the back to administer it. The SMDHU says the person may not be breathing when you first administer it, but it works quickly. If you are trained with the proper know-how, the health unit suggests performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and chest compressions while you wait. If there is no response after two or three minutes, the health unit says to administer the other dose in the person’s other nostril. If you are helping someone who is having an overdose, the SMDHU recommends you stay with them until first responders arrive. For a list on where you can find Naloxone kits, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.
