Saskatoon grapples with rising overdose cases with multiple suspicious deaths

Primary care paramedics with the Saskatoon Fire Department are equipped with naloxone, which can restore breathing to someone experiencing a fentanyl or opioid overdose. (Alex Pankratz/CTV Saskatoon)

Saskatoon continues to grapple with overdoses as the fire department has responded to 67 cases and one suspicious death in just 72 hours, from March 9 to 11.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health sent its fifth update Wednesday afternoon, warning of a heightened risk of overdose and death from drugs in the city.

“Prairie Harm Reduction has tested a brownish red substance with dangerous levels of fentanyl which is causing multiple overdoses,” the ministry said in the updated alert.

A separate warning from Saskatoon’s Prairie Harm Reduction on Tuesday described the substance a little differently — as dark purple, or slightly brown in colour — but described similarly dangerous effects.

“The fentanyl is having unusual, delayed effects, can cause sleepiness first, then stop breathing. Multiple doses (4-5) of naloxone required to revive patients, oxygen and paramedic response have also been needed,” the province said.

According to the ministry, Prairie Harm Reduction has responded to 11 overdoses from March 10 to 12.

Both the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) and Prairie Harm Reduction have reported clusters of multiple overdoses. Since Feb. 25, SFD has responded to over 300 overdoses, including multiple suspicious deaths, according to the ministry.

“We are facing a serious and urgent crisis in our community right now,” Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“A dangerously lethal batch of drugs has made its way onto our streets, and it is putting lives at risk in neighbourhoods across the city.”

Saskatoon’s mayor urges residents to stay vigilant, avoid illicit substances, and be aware of the signs of overdose, saying “it’s critical that everyone takes care of each other during this difficult time.”

The ministry urges residents to exercise extreme caution, as the risk of overdose and death from drugs is higher in the city.

The alert will remain in effect until March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

In response to the crisis, the provincial government has activated an emergency response, mobilizing the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate organizations.