Ottawa paramedics boosting supply of opioid antidote naloxone

Ottawa paramedics are carrying a larger supply ofthe opioidoverdose antidote naloxoneaboard ambulances and in their equipment bags,according to a memo to city council.

According to the memo from Anthony Di Monte, general manager of emergency and protective services, the Ottawa Paramedic Service has beenboosting its naloxone inventoryafter noticing "an increase in opioid-related calls."

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Earlier this month police and public health officials issued a public warning about fake prescription pills potentially laced with the deadly opioid fentanyl.

Fentanylhas been linked to dozens of deaths across Canada, including 14 overdose deaths in Ottawa in 2015, the latest numbers currently available.

Di Monte said the paramedic service is also continuing to prepare for the arrival of more potent opioids such ascarafentanyl. In December, local paramedics were urged to wear masks to deal with the drug, an animal tranquillizer that's approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl.

The paramedic serviceis also planning to provide naloxone along withthe appropriate training to the city's fire department, Di Monte said.