The Canadian Press
CALGARY–A man high on fentanyl or some similar powerful opioid caused a series of hit-and-runs on a Calgary expressway and almost overdosed before being revived, city police said yesterday.
The growing use of new synthetic opioids that can be lethal even in very small amounts has led to more motorists being found severely impaired and near death, according to some emergency responders.
“We’ve had cases where people have pulled over as they’ve gone into . . . cardiac arrest,” said Alex Forrest, head of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg union.
“People think they can drive (while on opioids), they’re looking after children. They believe they can handle it.”
Calgary police Insp. Ken Thrower said it was a “miracle” no one was seriously injured or killed in the collisions Wednesday night.
Police forces across the country have warned of the growing use of opioids such as fentanyl, a synthetic drug 100 times more powerful than heroin, and its even more-powerful relative, carfentanil.
