Saskatoon Woman Uses Naloxone to Save Lives Amid Overdose Crisis

A resident of Saskatoon, Amanda Walker has utilized take-home naloxone kits on two separate occasions to reverse overdoses in her apartment building, highlighting the urgent need for life-saving measures in the face of rising drug-related emergencies. Walker recounted her most recent experience, stating, “I had just come home from shopping… and I saw the woman on the stairs here. She was laying flat on her back.”

Upon seeing the woman, Walker initially feared for her life, noting that her face and lips were blue. Fortunately, Walker recognized that the woman’s heart was still beating, albeit rapidly. This was not Walker’s first encounter with naloxone, but the situation was nonetheless alarming. “My hands were shaking as I was trying to fill the vial because of the adrenaline and the scariness,” she explained. “If I didn’t find her when I did, she wouldn’t have had much longer. She would have been gone.”

Following the incident, Walker and the woman she helped have established a connection. Although the woman is currently recovering, Walker acknowledges that this was not her first overdose and likely will not be her last.

Overdose Statistics and Naloxone’s Role

The crisis of drug overdoses continues to escalate in Saskatchewan, with the latest data indicating a significant rise in incidents. However, reports from the provincial coroner’s office reveal that toxic drug deaths are decreasing. Experts contend that the widespread distribution of naloxone kits contributes to this decline in fatal overdoses. Miranda Deck from Prairie Harm Reduction stated, “The number of overdoses is astronomical this year and it’s not really going down.”

With increasingly unpredictable drug supplies in the province, Walker’s experience is becoming more common. Deck noted that the organization has distributed more naloxone kits this year than ever before, reflecting a growing public interest in learning how to administer the medication. “With all of the overdoses happening, there are quite a few more people that are interested in learning how to use naloxone just to have it on them,” she added.

Saskatoon Fire Department Deputy Chief Rob Hogan acknowledged the positive impact of naloxone kits in saving lives but expressed concerns regarding the potency of the drugs being used. “The drugs we’re seeing now are very naloxone-resistant, so it’s taking multiple doses,” Hogan explained. He noted that his station has responded to twice as many overdose calls this year compared to the same period in 2022.

A Community Response to a Growing Crisis

The alarming increase in drug abuse is evident in all neighborhoods of Saskatoon. Walker emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, “Maybe you see somebody sleeping on the street; they might not be sleeping.”

Naloxone kits are available for free across Saskatchewan at pharmacies, emergency rooms, and safe injection sites, and can also be ordered online. The accessibility of these kits plays a crucial role in equipping the community to respond effectively to overdose situations.

As Walker continues to advocate for the use of naloxone, she remains committed to doing her part in combating the overdose crisis in her community. Her firsthand experiences underscore the significance of immediate intervention in saving lives and the importance of community awareness in addressing this growing public health issue.