Montreal public health officials are issuing a warning in response to a recent spike in fatal overdoses involving carfentanil, with eight deaths confirmed since an overdose alert was issued in early April. The regional health authority stressed the importance of taking precautions due to the alarming increase in non-fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl.
The Direction régionale de santé publique (DRSP) of Santé Québec Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal disclosed on Thursday that the confirmed deaths were a result of laboratory testing. However, they cautioned that the number of fatalities could escalate as toxicology confirmation can be a time-consuming process.
Carfentanil, an extremely toxic opioid, has been identified in mixtures sold as fentanyl, often in the form of colored rocks. These mixtures also contain other dangerous substances such as medetomidine and benzodiazepines, posing a severe risk to users as even minute amounts can be fatal.
Health officials emphasized the necessity of not using drugs alone and ensuring that individuals carry naloxone and are knowledgeable about its administration. They advised reducing drug quantities to mitigate the risk of overdose, given the potency of the current drug supply.
In case of suspected overdose symptoms like difficulty breathing or unresponsiveness, the public is urged to administer naloxone immediately and call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to utilize supervised consumption and drug-checking services where available for added safety measures.
The DRSP is calling upon healthcare providers and frontline workers to continue educating drug users on the dangers associated with fentanyl and to promote safer drug consumption practices. These efforts include recommending the presence of naloxone, avoiding solitary drug use, testing substance potency with smaller doses, and seeking immediate medical help during an overdose event.
Furthermore, the agency highlighted the legal protection provided by Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act for individuals who report overdoses to emergency services, emphasizing the importance of seeking help promptly in such situations.
