Rising Carfentanil-related deaths observed in Alberta, particularly in Edmonton, showing a substantial escalation
In a bid to combat the growing opioid crisis, the Compassionate Intervention Act, which includes OAT as a major component, aims to provide much-needed help for those struggling with addiction.
Recent developments in Alberta, however, paint a concerning picture. Opioid-related deaths in cities like Calgary and Edmonton have seen a significant increase, with the presence of carfentanil, a potent opioid used as a sedative for large animals, becoming increasingly prevalent.
Rob Tanguay, senior medical lead of compassionate intervention at Recovery Alberta, has expressed his concerns about this trend. In Edmonton, for instance, the number of deaths involving carfentanil jumped from 17% to 78% during the same period. This worrying rise appears to be replacing fentanyl, which is extremely scary.
Tanguay urges everyone to carry Naloxone kits, a life-saving tool during an opioid overdose. However, he emphasises that multiple doses may be required to reverse the effects of an overdose involving carfentanil, given its extreme potency.
To address this issue, Recovery Alberta is expanding OAT to help stabilise people, reduce cravings, and prevent overdose. Advanced care paramedics in EHS's Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program can administer first-line OAT medication in the community.
Communities such as Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Camrose, Peace River, and Calgary are part of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare network. In Edmonton, an emergency response team is currently in place to monitor clients in and around Hope Mission's Herb Jamieson Centre, responding to mental health and addiction crises including overdoses.
Tanguay is adamant that as a society, we have chosen to allow these conditions to persist, and that this needs to stop. He expresses compassion towards the vulnerable population, stating that people do not choose to live homeless, in poverty, or suffering from addiction. Drug users who are highly tolerant to drugs, including fentanyl, may seek out more potent substances like carfentanil for a stronger high.
In the week of Aug. 25, Alberta's Emergency Health Services responded to 321 opioid-related events, a 39% increase from the previous week, with Edmonton accounting for 73% of those calls. Carfentanil, which is up to 100,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, is believed to be the cause of this recent increase in opioid-related emergencies in the Edmonton region.
However, there has not been a reported death from opioid overdoses involving carfentanil in Lethbridge since 2023, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against this deadly substance.
Tanguay encourages everyone to take action and help those in need, emphasising that we all have a role to play in addressing this crisis.
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