Lethbridge First Responders Save 19-Year-Old After Fentanyl Overdose

The deadly reality of fentanyl

Following the incident, Lethbridge Police once again warned the community about the extreme danger of fentanyl. Even very small amounts can be fatal.

As police noted in their news release, there is no safe amount of fentanyl. A dosage equivalent to just two grains of salt can be enough to stop breathing and cause cardiac arrest.

In any suspected fentanyl overdose, time is critical:

• Breathing can slow or stop entirely

• Oxygen to the brain rapidly decreases

• Cardiac arrest can happen within minutes

That’s why police emphasized that immediate medical intervention in any suspected fentanyl overdose could mean the difference between life and death.

Overdose emergencies: why bystanders matter

You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to help save a life. In many emergencies, the first people on scene are friends, family, coworkers, or bystanders.

In a possible opioid overdose, you should:

• Call 911 right away

• Follow the instructions from the emergency dispatcher

• Start CPR if the person is not breathing normally or has no pulse

• Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is available and you’re instructed to use it

• If you are trained and have access to naloxone, administer it as directed

Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to act than to do nothing. First responders can continue advanced care, but they rely heavily on those first few minutes of help provided by people nearby.

How CPR and AEDs help save lives

CPR and AED use are crucial parts of the “Chain of Survival” for cardiac arrest and many overdose-related emergencies:

• CPR helps keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and vital organs when the heart has stopped or is not pumping effectively.

• AEDs analyze the heart rhythm and, if needed, deliver a shock to help restore a normal heartbeat.

Starting CPR early and using an AED as soon as possible can:

• Double or even triple a person’s chances of survival

• Reduce the risk of permanent brain damage

• Buy precious time until paramedics arrive

These are practical, hands-on skills that almost anyone can learn in a few hours.

Why first aid and CPR training are so important

This incident in Lethbridge is a powerful reminder that:

• Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time

• First responders can’t be everywhere at once

• Basic first aid and CPR skills can keep someone alive until help arrives

First aid and CPR training give you:

• Confidence to recognize when something is seriously wrong

• The knowledge to start CPR correctly and quickly

• The ability to use an AED safely

• Practical skills you can use at home, work, school, or in public places

You may never need to use these skills—but if you do, they could save the life of someone you know and care about.

Learn how to help

If you’d like to be prepared to respond in an emergency—whether it’s an overdose, cardiac arrest, or another medical crisis—consider enrolling in a CPR and AED course.

You can find dedicated CPR and AED training options here:
👉 CPR and AED Courses – Calgary First Aid

To learn more about CPR, you can also review these resources:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cpr#steps-for-hands–only-cpr

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitation

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153849.php