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The Saskatchewan Health Authority has issued an alert in Saskatoon after firefighters responded to a string of drug overdose calls this month.
According to the health authority, firefighters in the Bridge City responded to 84 overdoses between August 17 and Tuesday. In some of the cases, hospitalization and multiple doses of Naloxone – a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose – were required to revive the patients.
Read more:
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- Saskatoon sees 30 overdoses in three days, prompting health ministry warning
“Dangerous drugs are in the area,” the health authority warned.
“There is a higher risk of overdose and death from drugs in the region.”
The health authority said there have been “multiple reported fatalities in the community.”
Prairie Harm Reduction, a group that operates a supervised drug consumption site in Saskatoon, detected carfentanyl – an extremely potent opioid – in a test on August 20, the health authority noted.
While it’s not known what the dangerous drugs are sold as, the health authority said the drug appeared as green/blue crystals in one case, and may contain carfentanyl and fentanyl.
The health authority said the dangerous drug appeared as green/blue crystals in one case, and may contain carfentanyl and fentanyl. (Saskatchewan Health Authority/Submitted)
While using illegally acquired drugs poses a risk of overdose and death, the health authority noted that risk can be reduced by getting a take-home Naloxone kit, calling the National Overdose Response Service if using drugs alone, using drug checking supplies or services, and sharing the information on dangerous drug alerts.
The alert will remain in effect until Thursday.
