BC sets new one-day record for paramedic calls for drug poisoning, data shows
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Health officials are warning that drug poisoning is on the rise across B.C., with a new single-day record set for the most drug poisonings seen by paramedics last week.
The BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued a province-wide drug alert, saying new substances in the unregulated drug supply are putting people at risk across the province.
said this MedetomidinePrimarily used by veterinarians to anesthetize animals, it is now being mixed with opioids such as fentanyl.
Alexis Crabtree, a public health physician with the BCCDC, says doctors are concerned about life-threatening effects when the drug is mixed with fentanyl.
“People may feel very sleepy, not wake up after being given naloxone, have a lower heart rate, or have something different about their blood pressure,” Crabtree said.
“It could make it more complicated for people who are responding.”
A recent increase in 911 calls and overdoses is being linked by authorities to mixing the powerful opioid fentanyl with the animal tranquilizer medetomidine. As John Hernandez reveals, experts are concerned about the spread of this dangerous new ingredient on the streets.
According to BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), during the week of January 16 to 22, paramedics responded to more than 1,100 overdoses across the province.
On January 21, paramedics responded to 256 drug poisoning calls, a new single-day record.
“These high levels of drug toxicity are of great concern to us,” Crabtree said.
Crabtree also warns that withdrawal from medetomidine can be fatal for people who use it regularly.
“If that happens, we would want people to seek medical help, because there are treatments that can help them during that period,” he said.
Paxton Bach of the BC Center on Substance Use says the overall number of overdose deaths in BC and Canada is declining.
However, the amount of non-fatal overdoses continues to increase.
“The number of adulterants and adulterants in the drug supply continues to grow … which greatly increases the complexity of these overdoses,” Bach said.
He says these complicated overdoses are straining first responders and hospitals, and encourages everyone to learn how to use the anti-opioid drug naloxone and carry a kit with them.
Interior Health released similar drug warningsReleased by BCCDC over the weekend exclusively for Trail and Nelson.
Vigilant individuals affected by medetomidine are found walking out into the street, appearing confused or seriously impaired.
BCEHS said most deaths from illicit drug poisoning occur when people use alone, because there is no one to call 911.
It is recommended not to use it alone or Connect App by Lifeguard If drug users use alone.
