Ambulance New Brunswick says paramedics have responded to at least 19 suspected overdose calls in St. Stephen in the last month, including at least 16 of them in the last eight days. 

Six of those occurred in the last 48 hours. 

Municipal District of St. Stephen Mayor Steve Backman said he was made aware of at least nine in the last 48 hours, but three were not transported to the hospital. 

“It resulted in a number of ambulances being dispatched,” he said, speaking with The Courier. “The fire department was dispatched and the RCMP responds to those calls as well.”

The dispatch 

The Courier listened to roughly 90 minutes of dispatch audio through Broadcastify. According to the dispatch audio, two ambulances were sent to Lighthouse Lodge at 9 Main St. for suspected overdoses within the first few minutes.

“Request for assistance for an overdose, not conscious, not breathing,” an unidentified dispatcher said.

An unidentified person at the scene later said three people needed assistance. Dispatch later relayed response times of 14 minutes and 20 minutes.  

Ambulance New Brunswick requires ambulances in rural areas to respond to calls within 22 minutes. 

“We have one that is somewhat conscious, just checking on the other two,” a man can be heard speaking with dispatch. 

More than two minutes later, a fourth call came into 911 dispatch.

“Is there four patients there?” dispatch asked. 

“We have three for sure,” the man responded. “Possibly more here. We have three inside here now, there [are] four all together.”

About 60 minutes into the audio, someone advised dispatch that RCMP officers were transporting a person in the back of a cruiser to the Charlotte County Hospital (CCH). 

The Courier requested comment from the RCMP and is awaiting a response. 

At around 67 minutes into the audio, three ambulances were on scene and a fourth was still 15 minutes away.

Dispatch gives the all clear at the 82-minute mark.

Official response 

Ambulance New Brunswick said four ambulances were dispatched on Oct. 19 for suspected overdose calls.

“We can confirm that patients associated with three of those calls were transported to hospital by ambulance,” the statement said. “While the response would have temporarily depleted the ambulance resources available within St. Stephen, resources remained available within the broader response district.” 

Horizon Health Network said it is prepared to assess and handle patients dealing with a suspected overdose. 

“While every individual case is unique, the priority is to stabilize the patient and administer all necessary treatment. When a patient is well enough to be discharged, our teams work to ensure the patient can be connected to appropriate community-based programs and supports,” Pamela Power, clinical executive director of emergency services, said in a statement. 

She said that when a higher level of care is needed, a transfer to the nearest regional hospital can be arranged. 

It is unclear whether any of the patients brought to the CCH were transferred or what impact the influx of patients had on the hospital. 

Backman said the situation is concerning given the capacity issues Charlotte County Hospital already faces.

“Having this big surge is definitely concerning in terms of tying up resources,” he said. “So if there is a heart attack or a severe traffic accident or a workplace accident, it becomes really scary.” 

He said he is concerned about the level of drug addiction in the community, but ould not say whether a toxic drug supply was responsible for the suspected overdoses, as has been reported in other New Brunswick communities.

The board of Neighbourhood Works Inc., the non-profit operator of the shelter, said the lodge has responded to an increased number of overdose incidents.

“We recognize how frightening and traumatic these experiences can be, both for those directly affected, and for the people who care about them and for the community members who witness them,” the statement said. 

Neighbourhood Works said several individuals were transported to hospital and subsequently released. 

“We are deeply relieved that those affected have returned to the shelter, and our priority remains their health, safety, and well-being; as well as those suffering from substance abuse disorder outside of the shelter’s clientele,” the statement said. 

The organization thanked staff and first responders for their quick action and professionalism.

It said the substance or substances involved have not been confirmed and NWI would avoid speculating while the authorities gather more information. 

“These incidents are a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by the toxic and unpredictable drug supply in communities across Canada, including smaller rural communities like St. Stephen,” the statement said. “Behind every overdose is a person who deserves dignity, care, and the opportunity to recover. Timely intervention, access to medical care, and coordinated support can mean the difference between life and death.”

The organization said there are ways to help, including checking in on those who may be at risk and reminding them of the dangers of the unpredictable drug supply.

“Encourage them not to use drugs alone, and if you witness a suspected overdose, call 911 immediately. Your actions could save a life,” the statement said. “The events of the past week are a reminder that this issue is real, urgent, and affecting our community.”