The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization is now monitoring a drug overdose crisis in Greater Moncton.
Minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, Minister Rob McKee, says a level one activation helps to coordinate services better. “They’ve started following the situation about a month ago, but finally decided to activate at this point. They’re able to offer a broad approach to the response with respect to the multitude of agencies that are involved, the complexity of the file, and the long-lasting nature of the crisis.”
He says now that the NB EMO is at the head of the table, they can better coordinate response to services, with the various departments and agencies on the front lines. It now allows a better push of information and a better overall response.
McKee stated that this is the first time NB EMO has activated in response to an overdose crisis, “It is a little bit unusual, but not without precedent. They activate several times a year for different types of crises. So they have that experience.”
He added that the emergency measures organization can draw on their experience in managing crises.
Hundreds of overdoses have been reported in Greater Moncton since the beginning of June, but McKee couldn’t give us an exact number.
“It’s very hard to put a number on it. We know that various agencies report different numbers, so we don’t have the data in real time right now. But we know there are a lot of cases, a very high number, and that we need action. So we did respond to this very early, and we will get the real data in due time, and we will analyze it and look at how we responded and use it to better prepare for next time,” McKee stressed.
The Minister admitted that this is a very concerning situation.
“We’ve seen several weeks now with a surge in overdoses. We’ve seen where initial responses to naloxone weren’t working. There were rumours about a different drug that was mixed in, and that has proven to be accurate. So we see two things at play. The person might be suffering an overdose, but they’re also heavily sedated due to the drug that is being added in. So while the naloxone might be responding to the overdose, the person continues to be in a sedative state, unresponsive,” McKee explained.
He added that they’ve seen agencies administering seven to nine doses of naloxone while trying to wake the person up.
The increased number of doses has led to even more burnout for shelters, frontline staff, and emergency responders.
“With emergency measures called in, I’m hoping that we can ensure coordination with everyone at the table to ensure the right tools for the right people in the right place at the right time,” McKee said.
Additional support has been called in, including plainclothes security personnel, to assist with frontline shelter workers. McKee explained that mobile crisis units, healthcare coordination teams on the ground, and extended hours are being offered.
“We brought in physicians to help monitor the situation, provide advice and information. RHA’s medical staff have been called into the shelters to help lead medical teams within those environments. So overall, it’s a combination of departmental workers, RHA’s at the table, along with the frontline agencies, service providers, just ensuring that they have the right tools, the right people, right place, right time to ensure that we are able to respond to this,” McKee stressed.
As to where these drugs are coming from, McKee didn’t have an answer, but he did say they are working with public safety and the RCMP to ensure that those investigations are ongoing.
“A big piece of the puzzle is ensuring that our laws are being respected and enforced where necessary to snuff out those illicit drugs from the market that are causing so much harm on our streets,” McKee said.
He also stressed that if anyone is struggling out there with addictions or mental health, help is available.
“They can contact the helpline or contact Addictions and Mental Health Services, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you think you might need it.”
