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The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is alerting the public about a growing number of overdoses in the Regina area.
An increased of overdoses have been reported by Regina Fire and Protective Services and the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre since the beginning of April, the ministry said. There were more than 140 overdose-related calls between April 1 and April 21.
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According to the ministry, many of these overdoses required multiple doses of naloxone to revive the patients.
“Multiple calls have resulted in unconsciousness, and cardiac arrest, requiring CPR and advanced emergency medical treatment,” the ministry said in a statement.
“There is a higher risk of overdose from drugs in the Regina area.”
Samples of drugs tested at the friendship centre were positive for fentanyl and benzodiazepines.
“There may be other unknown substances circulating in the community,” the province said.
“Naloxone will counter the effects of opioids, but not other substances. Multiple doses of naloxone have been required but were not always effective.”
There is no description at this time of the drugs linked to the spike in overdoses, and the ministry said it does not know what the contaminated drugs are being sold as. The drugs are believed to contain opioids, benzodiazepines and possibly other unknown substances.
The ministry said the contaminated drug supply puts users at risk of overdoses, unconsciousness and cardiac arrest.
The overdose alert will remain in effect until April 29.
How to proceed
The Ministry of Health advised that risks posed by illegally-acquired drugs can be reduced, but not eliminated.
It advised people to call 911 if someone is overdosing and encouraged users to obtain take-home naloxone kits – those interested can call HealthLine 811 for locations. Drug users were also advised to call the National Overdose Response Service if using drugs alone, and the ministry said people can look online to find access to drug-checking supplies and services.
The health ministry also offered a reminder that The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people seeking emergency help during an overdose or who witness an overdose.
People can also sign up for Sask Drug Alerts by texting “JOIN” to 1-833-35-B-SAFE (352-7233).
A drug alert was also issued for the Saskatoon area earlier this month. That alert ended on April 20.
