Collins Bay Inmate Dies After Apparent Drug Overdose, Raising Ongoing Safety Concerns

Emergency Response Inside the Institution

According to the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, two officers discovered Gammie during a routine walk-through of the unit. Multiple officers responded immediately and began life-saving efforts.

Correctional staff administered CPR, naloxone, and used a defibrillator in an attempt to revive him. The situation was described as traumatic, as Gammie was vomiting while CPR was being performed. Officers continued emergency care until paramedics arrived on scene, but despite these efforts, he could not be saved.

A Growing Overdose Crisis in Federal Prisons

Officials say overdoses remain a serious and ongoing problem inside correctional facilities. This death follows a troubling spike earlier in the year, when 11 overdose deaths were reported at Collins Bay Institution between mid-April and early May, many linked to illicit drugs laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, significantly increases the risk of fatal overdoses—especially in environments where access to immediate medical care may be delayed.

How Drugs Are Entering Institutions

Union representatives say drugs continue to enter prisons through drones, items thrown over perimeter walls, and visitor smuggling. Additional officer posts previously used to monitor drone activity were later removed due to funding constraints, despite ongoing concerns from frontline staff.

Correctional officials have stated that anti-drone detection technology is being explored, though widespread implementation may still be months away.

Why CPR and Overdose Training Matters

This incident underscores the critical importance of rapid emergency response in overdose situations. Knowing how to recognize overdose symptoms, perform CPR, and respond with naloxone can dramatically improve survival chances.

See how our certified Winnipeg training centre can prepare you for real-life emergencies.

Programs such as CPR and AED training offered by Winnipeg First Aid help equip individuals with practical, life-saving skills that can be used in high-stress emergencies—both inside institutions and in the community.

Read the Original Report

For full reporting and additional details, you can read the original article from the Ottawa Citizen here:
Collins Bay inmate dead of apparent drug overdose, guards’ union says

A Broader Public Safety Issue

While the investigation into this death continues, the incident highlights a broader public health crisis tied to opioid overdoses. Training, awareness, and preparedness remain key tools in preventing further loss of life.

Being ready to act in an emergency can make all the difference.