B.C. sets single-day record for paramedic calls to drug poisonings

Health officials in British Columbia say paramedics responded to a new single-day record of 256 drug poisoning calls on Jan. 21, and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control issued a province-wide alert about medetomidine being mixed with opioids.

Health authorities in British Columbia report a recent rise in drug poisonings and have issued warnings about changes in the unregulated drug supply. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has alerted the public that medetomidine, an animal sedative, is being mixed with opioids such as fentanyl and can complicate overdoses. Paramedics attended more than 1,100 overdoses during Jan. 16–22, including a record 256 drug poisoning calls on Jan. 21. Known details: - The BCCDC issued a province-wide drug alert reporting medetomidine mixed with opioids and warned it can cause heavy sedation and other life‑threatening effects. - B.C. Emergency Health Services said paramedics responded to over 1,100 overdoses during the week of Jan. 16–22 and recorded 256 drug poisoning calls on Jan. 21, a single‑day record. - Officials noted withdrawal from medetomidine can be dangerous, that more adulterants are complicating overdoses and stretching first responders, and that Interior Health issued a similar alert for Trail and Nelson. Summary: The presence of new substances in the unregulated drug supply is increasing the complexity of overdoses and placing pressure on emergency services across the province. Undetermined at this time.