Saskatoon on high alert after 25 overdoses reported in 24 hours

WATCH: A public health alert has been issued for Saskatoon after the city’s fire department responded to 25 overdoses in a 24-hour period.

A public health alert has been issued for Saskatoon after the city’s fire department responded to 25 overdoses in a 24-hour period.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health says the overdoses occurred between Feb. 25 and 26 and have been linked to two substances of concern identified by Prairie Harm Reduction.

The substances, described as light pink or dark purple chunks, are being sold as fentanyl and may contain benzodiazepines and other unknown substances.

According to ministry of health, these substances can cause delayed effects, unconsciousness, turning blue, slow revival, and incoherence after revival.

“Naloxone was effective in some cases after multiple doses. Medical attention was required. Benzo effects cannot be reversed by naloxone,” ministry of health said in the alert.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is urging residents to exercise extreme caution when using illegally acquired drugs, as they pose significant health risks, including overdose and death. To reduce these risks, the ministry recommends:

• Getting a Take Home Naloxone Kit. Call HealthLine 811 to find locations.
• Calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) if you are alone.
• The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose or who witness an overdose.
• Finding where to access drug checking supplies and/or services through www.saskatchewan.ca/overdose.

This overdose alert will remain in effect until March 5. at 11:59 p.m.