New numbers suggest overdoses in Winnipeg are continuing to rise during the pandemic and first responders say it's due to a surge in the use of fentanyl and other opioids. Cory Guest, a paramedic public education co-ordinator for WFPS, said what is most alarming is the surge in fentanyl-related drug calls and poisonings. Guest said first responders are noticing a rise in overdose calls related to fentanyl, carfentanil and heroin cut with fentanyl. In the first few months of the pandemic, between March and May, WFPS received 259 calls related to suspected opioid overdoses. Substance use calls to 911 and the rise in naloxone use are just two symptoms of the apparent rise in overdoses in Winnipeg.

Source: CBC News July 22, 2020 09:56 UTC