Pubdate: Mon, 21 Aug 2017 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/letter-to-editor Website: http://www.winnipegsun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503 Author: Joyanne Pursaga Page: 5 HARD DOSE OF REALITY Spike in Winnipeg drug overdoses - including opioids The number of annual drug overdoses in Winnipeg is on the rise. Data from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) show that emergency crews are responding to more overdoses, with 1,648 patients arriving with a drug overdose complaint at emergency rooms and urgent care facilities during the first seven months of this year. There were 2,565 such calls throughout 2016, up from 1,981 in 2014. And Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to 1,185 poisoning and overdose calls in 2017 (as of July 31), 1,803 in 2016 and 1,328 in 2014. Both agencies note alcohol is responsible for many cases. "The calls for generic overdoses have increased over the past number of years, for sure, and there's no doubt there's been an increase in the number of opioid responses, as well," said Cory Guest, a public education co-ordinator for Winnipeg emergency medical services. WFPS data also includes poisonings, while WRHA data includes overdoses from prescription and over-the-counter drugs, not just illegal ones. But officials from both agencies say the threat of opioids appears to account for part of the increase. WFPS gave out naloxone, an antidote to fentanyl and other opioids, to 727 patients in 2016, up from 348 in 2014. The city notes the hike partly reflects the fact not all paramedics were equipped with naloxone and trained to use it until May 2016. But Guest said the deadly drug remains a key concern. That's especially the case since the drug is being mixed in with other illegal drugs, which the user may not know. "Virtually every illicit street drug on the market has tested positive for fentanyl. So the big message is, you don't know what you're going to get. And people have to appreciate really just how quickly you can die from this drug," Guest said. Manitoba's Chief Medical Examiner found fentanyl, carfentanil or furanyl fentanyl were the primary or contributing cause of a combined 31 overdose deaths in the province during 2016. The CME tracked 20 such deaths in 2015 and 13 in 2014. Arlene Last-Kolb, whose son Jessie died from a fentanyl overdose in July 2014, said she's spoken with loved ones of fentanyl users who've overdosed more than once. Last-Kolb believes Winnipeg has a shortage of publicly funded long-term drug treatment beds that makes it tough for drug users to get help. Those who seek that treatment often report that waiting lists range from two weeks to three months, she added. "I believe my son would be alive right now if he had gotten naloxone and there was some place for him to go (for help)," Last-Kolb said. Last-Kolb will participate in an International Overdose Day event at the Manitoba Legislature at 12:15 p.m. on Aug. 31. She said the gathering aims to honour those who have died from addiction-related causes and reduce the stigma of substance abuse. All are welcome to attend. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt