Number of non-fatal overdoses Toronto paramedics respond to is declining, city data shows
Recent data from the city of Toronto indicates a decline in the number of non-fatal suspected overdoses that paramedics respond to over the past six months. The figures were gathered by Toronto Public Health in collaboration with Toronto Paramedic Services, using the calls received each month. In September, there were 357 reported non-fatal suspected overdoses, which decreased to 163 in February. Fatal overdoses during the same period remained relatively consistent.
While the decrease in non-fatal overdoses is a positive development, community worker Diana Chan McNally advises caution before celebrating. She notes that the death toll from overdoses remains alarmingly high, especially when compared to rates from a decade ago, before the drug toxicity crisis worsened. The Toronto Overdose Information System reported 137 opioid toxicity deaths in 2015, increasing to 528 probable and confirmed deaths in 2023 – a nearly four-fold rise.
The release of this latest data coincides with a significant shift in drug policy in the province. The government is supporting the transformation of supervised drug consumption sites into homelessness and treatment centers known as HART Hubs. Some healthcare professionals and advocates are concerned about the potential impact this change may have on overdose rates.
At a news conference, Toronto’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, expressed apprehension about a potential increase in overdose deaths following the transition. She emphasized the effectiveness of supervised consumption sites in preventing fatal overdoses, highlighting the need to maintain such services.
The closure of supervised consumption sites has sparked debate and raised questions about the future of harm reduction strategies in the province. Critics argue that the new approach may lead to a surge in overdose cases, rather than addressing the root causes of addiction and providing essential services.
The decrease in non-fatal overdoses has left healthcare experts and community workers puzzled. While some attribute it to the dedication of frontline workers and increased education and trust among partners, the underlying reasons remain unclear. Speculation about changes in the drug supply, such as a potential decrease in fentanyl potency, has been suggested as a possible factor.
Hayley Thompson, managing director of Toronto’s Drug Tracking Service, notes the presence of benzodiazepines and veterinary tranquilizers in the drug supply, highlighting the complexity and volatility of the unregulated market. Recent incidents of tainted fentanyl overdoses in York Region serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illicit drug use.
As the situation continues to evolve, Thompson stresses the importance of bold policy responses to address the ongoing challenges posed by the toxic drug supply crisis. The need for proactive measures and comprehensive harm reduction strategies remains critical in combating the rising rates of overdose deaths.
