Saskatoon sees 84 suspected overdoses since Aug. 17

The City of Saskatoon has been dealing with numerous drug overdoses this year. Another recent spike in the area — 84 cases since Aug. 17 — has organizations sounding the alarm.

The City of Saskatoon has been dealing with numerous instances of drug overdoses this year, and another recent spike has organizations sounding the alarm.

“When you walk around and you talk to people, all you can see is the grief and it’s grief that just keeps going; there’s been no break from it,” said Prairie Harm Reduction executive director Kayla Demong.

The Ministry of Health released an overdose alert for the city, stating the “Saskatoon Fire Department have responded to 84 suspected overdoses since August 17” with “many cases requiring multiple doses of naloxone.”

The alert goes on to say, “Prairie Harm Reduction have detected Carfentanyl in one test on August 20, which may have been linked to increases in overdoses and multiple reported fatalities in the community.”

Saskatoon Deputy fire Chief Rob Hogan says crews are responding to between nine and 12 overdoses in a single 24-hour shift, taking its toll on resources.

“I think we are in an epidemic,” Hogan said. “If you look at the numbers, we’re well over what we were last year at this time.”

Saskatoon police are aware of the presence of carfentanyl in the community. In a statement, police say the drug unit continues its efforts to target drug traffickers in our city in what can be lengthy, complex investigations.

Demong says the days do not get any easier, adding drug poisonings now seem to be the new normal.