Shortly after 2 p.m. on May 15, 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS)responded to a report of two unconscious persons at a residence in Milton. Upon arrival, officers located two unconscious 18-year-old males outside of a home, both of whom were showing obvious signs of a suspected overdose.
Officers quickly administered Naloxone to both victims. One victim received a single dose of Naloxone before regaining consciousness, while the other remained unresponsive and required a second dose of Naloxone to regain consciousness. Both were transferred by ambulance to hospital.
According to police, more than a dozen high school students gathered at the home, when two of them went outside to smoke what they assumed to be cannabis, purchased from a third party. Shortly after the two youths smoked the substance, both lost consciousness and began to have seizures. A neighbour witnessed this and called 9-1-1.
Police attribute the successful outcome of these two overdoses to a witness immediately calling 9-1-1, and the rapid administration of Naloxone by officers.
Frontline officers carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. To be clear, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects citizens, including youths, from being prosecuted for offences such as simple possession.
They suggest if you have a friend or family member who chooses to use drugs, you are encouraged to:
- Don’t run. Call 9-1-1. An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away.
An investigation into this incident is ongoing, and at this time, we have not confirmed what drug(s) were consumed by the two victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact the on-duty 1 District Staff Sergeant at 905-825-4777 ext. 2410 or investigators at 905-825-4777 ext. 2416.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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