In a recent ride-along with Saskatoon Fire Battalion Chief Dwayne Jobson, Global News explored the city's escalating toxic drug crisis, which Jobson describes as an 'epidemic.' During their excursion, they quickly responded to an overdose call, underscoring the urgent and chaotic nature of the situation concerning toxic substances. Jobson emphasized that the severity of an overdose can vary dramatically based on the drug involved, affecting both response time and recovery prospects for those impacted.

Jobson pointed out that while the official statistics for drug-related incidents in 2026 are not yet available, the fire department has been receiving an average of five to six calls daily regarding drug-related emergencies. However, he cautioned that many incidents go unreported because individuals often have their own naloxone kits and self-administer the life-saving medication without alerting authorities. This underreporting complicates efforts to fully understand the extent of the toxic drug issue facing the community.

The broader implications of this crisis are significant for public health and safety in Saskatoon. With first responders inundated with calls and the potential for rising fatalities due to hidden overdoses, there is a pressing need for increased awareness, better resources for addiction treatment, and improved public health initiatives to combat the dire consequences of the ongoing toxic drug epidemic.