Saskatoon fire crews say they’ve responded to an alarming number of overdose cases in the past week.
According to the latest update from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, fire crews have responded to an average of 19 overdoses per day between March 1 and 5.
This surge in overdoses follows previous incidents, with 25 cases reported on Feb. 25 - 26 and 23 cases between Feb. 28 and March 1.
“Other agencies may have responded to additional overdoses in the area. It is not known if the newly reported overdoses are from the same substances as previously reported, or a new batch of concern,” the ministry said in the updated overdose alert Wednesday.
The ministry warns of a continued high risk of overdose and death due to contaminated drugs circulating in Saskatoon.
The contaminated drugs are believed to be laced with fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and other unknown substances. They have been described as light pink or dark purple chunks and are being sold as fentanyl or other substances.
Naloxone was effective in some cases after multiple doses, and medical attention was required.
According to the ministry, the effects of benzodiazepines cannot be reversed by naloxone. When mixed with fentanyl, it makes for a dangerous cocktail.
The overdose alert has been extended until March 12 at 12:00 p.m.
