The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) reported a surge in 911 calls regarding toxic drug poisonings in British Columbia, highlighting concerns over a contaminated drug supply. According to the FNHA, last week witnessed a peak in emergency calls, with a new daily record on Nov. 19. Similarly, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to an unprecedented number of overdoses in the city on Nov. 21.
Authorities attribute the rise in 911 calls and overdoses to the dangerous mix of fentanyl and the animal tranquilizer medetomidine. This alarming trend has prompted advisories for drug users to test substances and avoid using drugs alone, with fears that an increase in overdoses could reverse the declining trend in toxic drug-related deaths seen in previous years.
Dr. Nel Wieman, FNHA’s chief medical officer, expressed concern over the recent spike in emergency calls, emphasizing the importance of preventing a regression to past statistics. The Cowichan Valley shelter also faced a critical situation on Nov. 18, running out of naloxone as the region experienced over 80 overdoses.
As of Sept. 30, the B.C. Coroners Service reported an estimated 1,384 unregulated drug-related deaths in the province this year. Despite this, the overdose rate has decreased by 31% compared to two years ago, aligning with a broader decline in toxic drug fatalities across North America.
Warnings from Vancouver Coastal Health and FNHA highlighted the contamination of the drug supply with medetomidine. VCH noted a rise in non-fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl laced with this animal tranquilizer, which does not respond to naloxone. Authorities stressed the importance of drug checking and recommended the distribution of naloxone in suspected overdose cases.
Dr. Wieman emphasized that misinformation should not overshadow the positive impact of harm reduction initiatives in curbing toxic drug-related deaths. She commended frontline workers for their dedication in mitigating the crisis.