The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) reported a surge in 911 calls linked to toxic drug poisonings in British Columbia, with warnings issued due to a contaminated drug supply. According to FNHA’s Facebook post, emergency calls hit a peak last week, setting a one-day record on Nov. 19. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) also noted responding to a high number of overdoses on Nov. 21 in the city.
The increase in 911 calls and overdoses is attributed to the presence of fentanyl mixed with the animal tranquilizer medetomidine. Users are advised to test their drugs and avoid using alone to prevent more overdoses that could reverse a declining trend in toxic drug deaths compared to previous years.
Dr. Nel Wieman, FNHA’s chief medical officer, expressed concern over the recent rise in calls, emphasizing the importance of avoiding regression to past statistics. Similarly, a shelter in Cowichan Valley faced a shortage of naloxone amid over 80 overdoses in the area.
As of Sept. 30, B.C. has recorded an estimated 1,384 unregulated drug deaths this year, showing a 31% decrease from two years ago. While the overdose rate has been declining across North America, recent events have highlighted ongoing challenges in tackling toxic drug-related issues.
Both Vancouver Coastal Health and FNHA issued alerts regarding the contamination of the drug supply with medetomidine. This animal tranquilizer, similar to xylazine, poses risks as it does not respond to naloxone, leading to prolonged sedation and low heart rates in overdoses.
Authorities stress the importance of drug testing and the continued distribution of naloxone in suspected overdose cases. Dr. Wieman mentioned intermittent findings of medetomidine in the unregulated drug market since 2023, urging caution against misinformation and supporting frontline workers in their efforts to address the crisis.
