HONOLULU, Hawaii – The use of xylazine, a horse tranquilizer added to drugs like fentanyl to extend the high, has been linked to four overdose deaths in Hawaii in 2023. This is a significant increase compared to the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, when the state recorded no xylazine-related deaths. According to Gary Yabuta, executive director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, three of the deaths occurred on Oahu, and one on Maui.
Xylazine has become a widespread additive to drugs on the mainland, prompting the DEA Administrator to issue a public alert in 2022, stating that it has made the drug threat of fentanyl even deadlier. One reason for the increased danger is that there is no antidote for xylazine, with Naloxone or Narcan, the opioid antidote, being ineffective against it.
While Hawaii has also seen a rise in fentanyl-related deaths, despite the availability of Narcan, first responders are called to at least one drug overdose incident daily in the state, often with multiple cases in a day. The use of first responders’ body camera videos obtained by Hawaii News Now shows the efforts of emergency personnel in addressing overdoses, including administering life-saving treatments.
Dr. James Ireland, of Honolulu Emergency Services, expressed concern about the trend in drug-related deaths, stating that in 2022, there were 79 fentanyl-related deaths, a significant increase from 48 in 2021. He also mentioned that in the first six months of 2023, 32 deaths had already been reported on Oahu, indicating that the island may be on track to set a new record high.
In response to the increasing drug-related deaths, Ireland noted that EMS teams are seeing more people use Narcan to save loved ones. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of early intervention and the delivery of advanced life support in addressing overdose situations. The availability of support and resources for individuals struggling with addiction is crucial in addressing this growing public health issue.