Sask. government launches crisis operations centre in response to drug overdoses

The Saskatchewan government is stepping in to organize a response to a spike in overdoses in Saskatoon. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department reported responding to 67 overdoses and one suspicious death from March 9 to March 11.

On Wednesday, the government activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) in response to the ongoing crisis. The province says the move will enhance co-ordination between health organizations and reduce gaps in care.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health issued an overdose alert on Wednesday, warning of dangerous batch of fentanyl that's suspected to have driven the wave of overdoses.

Prairie Harm Reduction reported testing the substance, describing it as having a brownish red colour with unusual, delayed effect that causes sleepiness followed by unconsciousness.

The alert will remain in effect until March 17.

This alert follows a previous one, which was issued on March 1 after the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to nearly 50 overdoses in the prior week. 

Overall, the fire department has responded to more than 300 overdoses since Feb. 25. 

In response to the latest overdose alert, Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block urged residents to avoid illicit substances and be aware of signs of overdose.

"We are facing a serious and urgent crisis in our community right now," she said. "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."

The advisory states that overdose risk can be minimized by carrying a take home naloxone kit, which can be used to help counteract an overdose. With the batch in question, it says that overdoses are requiring four to five doses of naloxone, along with additional oxygen and paramedic assistance.

Free naloxone kits are available at health and community organizations.