Sask. Health Ministry points overdose alert for Saskatoon

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health issued an overdose alert for Saskatoon on Thursday after the hearth division reported responding to 84 suspected overdose circumstances since Aug. 17. 

Many of the circumstances required a number of doses of the overdose drug naloxone and hospitalization, the alert mentioned.

The alert mentioned that Prairie Harm Reduction detected carfentanil, an artificial opioid that’s as much as 100 occasions stronger than fentanyl, in an Aug. 20 check, which can be linked to the rise in overdose circumstances and “multiple reported fatalities in the community.” Prairie Harm Reduction is a company that gives addictions remedy and hosts the town’s solely supervised consumption website.  

In its alert, the Ministry of Health mentioned that in a single case, the harmful drug variant seemed like inexperienced and blue crystals.

The alert suggested individuals to hold naloxone kits, and contained a reminder that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who witness an overdose or search emergency assist throughout an overdose. 

Naloxone quickly reverses the consequences of opioids. People can entry free coaching and a free take-home naloxone equipment online or by calling HealthLine 811. The kits are additionally out there from group companions and at emergency departments, and naloxone may be purchased at pharmacies.

The Health Ministry’s alert will stay in impact till Sept. 4.