Naloxone kits now on trucks

Fentanyl and opioid overdose continue to be described as a national health and addictions crisis which Saskatoon is not immune to; in light of this, the Saskatoon Fire Department is taking a proactive step to protect life.

"According to provincial health statistics, overdose deaths have risen dramatically for the past six years," says Assistant Chief Rob Hogan. "This is the stark reality of our job; we want first responders to have every ability to treat patients in dire need, and so our Primary Care Paramedics are now equipped with Naloxone."

Naloxone (nuh-LOCKS'-own) is a drug used to counteract the effects of a fentanyl (FEN'-tuh-nil) or other opioid drug overdose.

As noted, the number of deaths from the illicit use of fentanyl and carfentanil (CAR'-fen-tuh-nil) has risen dramatically in the province and across Canada.

"These drugs are extremely powerful and deadly," Hogan says.  "Fentanyl is up to a hundred times more toxic than morphine, and carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl."

Hogan, who started his firefighting career as a Primary Care Paramedic, points out that due to the powerful nature of these opioids, everyone responding to an overdose call is also at risk.  He stresses the smallest, micro-exposure to residue or powder on a patient could kill a paramedic or another emergency worker. 

"The availability of Naloxone on fire trucks will enable firefighters to help the patient as well as other first responders like themselves, ambulance workers or police officers," he says.

As one of the Saskatoon Fire Department's community partners, Saskatoon Health Region's Mental Health and Addictions Services is supportive of this initiative which will certainly help to save the lives of those who struggle with opioid addictions.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is one of the largest employers of pre-hospital care providers in the province.  Primary Care Paramedics are in place to fulfill the Department's commitment to mitigate life-threatening emergencies.

Fire Department Primary Care Paramedics are licenced to administer Naloxone in addition to other lifesaving medications by the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics.