REGINA — Regina Fire & Protective Services (RFPS) is trending to record its highest number of overdose calls in a single year since it first began tracking in 2021.
The high trend comes as RFPS reported 231 overdose calls in April.
“It’s not to the same level as what's going on in Saskatoon, but it's still high for us. That's probably the second-highest month we've ever had,” said RFPS Deputy Chief Gord Hewitt.
Regina saw an overdose alert issued by the Ministry of Health in April, prompted by drugs found to have higher concentrations of fentanyl mixed with benzodiazepines.
Hewitt said the alerts can be issued in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, depending on a number of factors.
“So if we see anything that's really out of the norm, whether it be an extra high number of overdoses or potentially more fatalities…" he said, “[we] supply that information to the Ministry of Health, and then they're the ones that review it and determine whether a drug alert is needed or not.”
Stopping repeat overdoses
Starting in 2022, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and RFPS have collaborated to form Regina’s Overdose Outreach Team.
Hewitt said the program is to help refer those who have experienced overdoses to a program which can help people get off drugs.
He said more than 800 people have been referred to the program since it began.
“We're that care and empathy side of things really comes in and having that conversation with them, and so our members are trying to do that, people, anybody in the community can refer people to that program, right, so we get referrals to the program from all over the place, whether it be from the hospital, from detox.”
Hewitt said it’s tough to put a percentage rate on successful referrals.
“It's a little bit difficult to track, but we know there are success stories out there of people who have come through.”
Paramedics attending overdose calls also ensure individuals aren’t at further risk by conducting full assessments.
Continuing trend?
Hewitt said understanding the trends of drug overdoses is difficult with the rates seen over the last few years.
“2023 was our highest with 1,666 responses, and then 2024 was still fairly high. 2025 was actually set to be one of our lowest years until December of 2025 was our highest month ever with 233 overdoses.”
While trends are hard to understand, Hewitt said certain areas of Regina are experiencing high rates of overdoses.
“There's no doubt that the bulk of the overdoses are happening in some of the core areas of the city, like the Heritage neighbourhood and North Central.”
The most recent batches of drugs in Regina haven’t been pinpointed to an exact origin source.
Hewitt emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between agencies to help prevent drugs from entering the community.
He also said anyone who witnesses an overdose should always call 911.
"It’s the first thing that should be done because the longer you wait, there is a chance of death.”
