18 heroin overdoses reported on West Side

He said he did not know what drug caused the overdoses. Tainted heroin is thought to blame.

The Chicago Fire Department says at least 20 people on the West Side have overdosed on drugs, in just the past 24 hours.

Authorities in Chicago say a recent rise in heroin overdoses is continuing to climb. The Chicago Police Department, the DEA and HIDTA are investigating and trying to identify the source of the drug. One individual died from the overdose.

Paramedics have seen a spike in heroin overdoses on the West Side since Wednesday night and have since armed themselves with more antidote, fire officials said.

Paramedics have been given extra Narcan to carry with them.

Dr. Steven Aks, chief of toxicology and an emergency physician at Stroger Hospital, said he’s aware of nine patients who sought treatment Thursday at the hospital by the afternoon.

Chicago’s heroin problem has taken an even worse turn. According to officials, hospitals and drug stores are not reporting a loss or theft of the painkiller.

“We don’t know if it’s the beginning, middle or end of the surge”, Langford said.