New figures released by the City of Calgary indicate that the fire department is set to respond to over 170% more overdose incidents this year compared to the previous year. Fire Chief Steve Dongworth highlighted that the surge in overdose calls is part of a general rise in medical emergencies, putting the department on course to reach a record number of around 100,000 calls this year.
Dongworth noted that these overdose calls now make up about half of all the department’s responses, showcasing the evolving responsibilities of firefighters. However, this shift poses new challenges, affecting service performance and the availability of units to promptly respond to emergencies.
To tackle these challenges, the department has been evaluating which calls necessitate a fire response. Nevertheless, the increased demand due to issues like opioid overdoses has offset the gains made in optimizing responses to non-fire emergencies.
These distressing calls also take a toll on staff, as they involve engaging with individuals facing difficult circumstances, often with tragic outcomes. Notably, there has been a rise in staff members taking leave due to the nature of these incidents.
Looking ahead, Dongworth emphasized the need for increased budget allocations from the city to address these challenges. He also called on the provincial government to provide additional support to cover the costs associated with the heightened volume of medical calls, particularly overdoses.
In response, a representative from Hospital and Surgical Health Services highlighted the existing financial support provided through Alberta’s Medical First Response Program, aimed at assisting municipalities that offer supplementary medical response services.
Addiction specialist and academic Monty Ghosh attributed the increase in overdoses to shifts in the local drug supply, noting the emergence of more potent forms of fentanyl combined with potent animal tranquilizers in street drugs. This alteration in drug composition has complicated overdose responses, as standard naloxone doses may be insufficient in reversing the effects, leading to a rise in calls to emergency services for assistance.
Overall, the changing landscape of drug supply and the resultant challenges in overdose management underscore the pressing need for collaborative efforts between emergency services, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address the escalating overdose crisis effectively.