Lethbridge emergency crews came out with a warning on Monday after firefighters, EMS and police officers were called to more than 40 drug overdose calls last week. On Friday alone, emergency crews were called to 16 overdoses.
Police believe a “particularly potent batch” of what is likely carfentanil is making its way around the streets in Lethbridge. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that can be 100 times more potent than fentanyl and about 10,000 times more potent than morphine.
“This is very concerning for our community,” said Dana Terry, deputy chief of Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services.
“The number of calls we received this weekend was a significant jump from what we usually respond to. This signals to us that something different is going on and we need everyone to be aware and be prepared.”
READ MORE: Alberta carfentanil deaths increased by 330% in 2017
Since Monday, Feb. 19, EMS has responded to 42 drug overdose calls. In some cases, emergency responders ended up treating multiple people at one location.
Paramedics had to administer high doses of naloxone in many cases. Naloxone is an antidote used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It can prevent an overdose from becoming fatal when it’s given immediately and followed up with emergency medical support.
“There is no quality control when it comes to illicit drugs,” Insp. Jason Dobirstein said in a media release on Monday. “No matter what you’re told you’re buying, you have no idea what you’re actually getting.”
Emergency crews are urging anyone who uses street drugs to be extra cautious and never use alone. Naloxone kits are available at pharmacies, community clinics and emergency departments.
A supervised consumption site, where drug users can be monitored by health care workers, is set to open in Lethbridge later this week.