Saskatoon Fire Department responding to average of 19 overdoses per day

As the overdose crisis in Saskatoon continues, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is warning the public about dangerous drugs in the community.

According to the ministry, between Friday and Monday, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to an average of 19 overdoses per day. Since the start of the month, firefighters in the Bridge City have been called to more than 350 overdoses.

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The ministry said Prairie Harm Reduction – a supervised drug consumption site in Saskatoon’s Pleasant Hill neighbourhood – is reporting that a brown/red substance that contains a “dangerous level of fentanyl” is continuing to cause a high number of overdoses, and it appears to be resistant to naloxone, which is administered to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“Multiple doses (4-5) of naloxone required to revive patients, oxygen and paramedic response have also been needed,” the ministry reported in an overdose alert.

The ministry said the drug causing overdoses, which is sold as fentanyl, appears as “brownish red chunks,” while batches tested previously appeared to be light pink or dark purple.

The ministry emphasized that any use of illegally acquired drugs poses a risk of overdose or death. To help reduce the risks, the ministry advised users to get a take-home naloxone kit, and make use of drug-checking supplies or services.

“The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose or who witness an overdose,” the ministry added.

Street outreach organization wants more support for those struggling with addictions

Hearing stories of overdoses is not uncommon for Stan Tuinukuafe, co-executive director for STR8 UP in Saskatoon.

But, he said, the sheer volume of recent cases has been unprecedented.

The organization assists youths and adults trying to remove themselves from gang, addiction, and criminal street lifestyles.

Many people supported by STR8 UP struggle with addictions, Tuinukuafe said, and he’s also seen a growing number of people seeking treatment.

While no one specific issue directly explains the spike in overdoses in the city, he said gaps in the support system could be a factor. He also noted that long waiting lists for detox and treatment pose a major challenge for those seeking help.

Misconceptions surrounding harm reduction can add to the challenge, Tuinukuafe said, and he applauded the work done at Prairie Harm Reduction’s supervised consumption site.

“I feel like there’s a lot of judgment that individuals have on harm reduction. In general that comes from a place (where) maybe people are not as informed,” he said.

Tuinukuafe said when people buy drugs, they usually believe they are getting exactly what they asked for, and that some individuals might not have access to naloxone.

He said that while STR8 Up focuses on supporting individuals who are seeking recovery, support should go beyond getting people into treatment.

“If they’re going (to treatment) for 30 days, a lot of individuals don’t have clothing, shampoo or toothbrushes,”Tuinukuafe said. “That’s an added cost.”

He added that it’s important to ensure that people don’t return to their same circumstances – which can include homelessness – after completing treatment.

–with files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk