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, known otherwise as Narcan. 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. “It’s a very important life saving medication, when it comes to risk of overdose or any potential overdose on any narcotic medications that someone may have,” says Ragy Boktor, a student pharmacist at Cundles Pharmasave. “The more people that know how to use Naloxone, it would be very helpful,” Boktor tells CTV News. “Especially when it comes to seeing someone that’s overdosing in public, or even a family member, even if you aren’t on any narcotics, it’s important to know how to administer Naloxone for a friend.” In the case of an opioid poisoning or overdose, Naloxone can be administered nasally and in some cases through an injection. “From this time last year, we’re seeing about a 29 per cent in the use of Narcan,” says Sarah Mills, Director and Chief of Paramedic Services of Simcoe County. “I would stress though that this is temporary, it’s something that needs to be followed up with 911 a complete healthcare visit,” Mills tells CTV News. “Having someone that is comfortable administering Narcan or Naloxone, it can change a life, it will safe a life,” Mills adds, “the more education we can get out the public, the more lives you will see saved.” “It can be frightening to someone that isn’t in healthcare,” Mills says. For the untrained, the SMDHU encourages residents to familiarize themselves with signs of an overdose first, before offering someone help. 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. Mills add that if you are administering Naloxone to someone while on the phone with a 911 operator, it is important to follow the advice of the operator in the process. 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.
