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A dangerous drug alert for the Saskatoon area has been updated following an additional overdose death – at least the third in the city since Nov. 17.
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, the Saskatoon Fire Department has reported 39 overdoses in the city since Nov. 19, and the ministry noted that figure may be lower than the real total, as other agencies may also be responding to additional cases.
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Previously, the fire department reported 104 overdoses between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18.
“Numerous cases had required multiple doses of Narcan (naloxone), but it was not always effective,” the ministry noted. “Several patients had also required some form of resuscitation, for example CPR, and hospital intervention.”
According to the ministry, Prairie Harm Reduction, which operates a supervised drug consumption site in Saskatoon, reported that carfentanil has been detected in drugs that were sold as fentanyl. The drugs appeared as “brown chunks,” the ministry said, and at least two overdoses have been connected with smoking the dangerous substance.
“Naloxone and medical intervention to assist with breathing was required,” the ministry said. “Carfentanil is extremely toxic, which makes overdose and death more likely.”
Other substances may also be causing overdoses in the Saskatoon area, the ministry said, noting that the risk of overdose and death from drug use remains high.
Drug users were reminded to get a take-home naloxone kit and to call the National Overdose Response Service if they are alone. Drug-checking supplies and services are also available, the ministry added.
