The latest data released by the City of Calgary indicates a significant surge in overdose-related emergency calls for the fire department, with a projected increase of over 170% compared to the previous year. Fire Chief Steve Dongworth highlighted that this rise in overdose incidents is part of a broader uptick in medical calls, potentially leading the department to reach a record-breaking total of nearly 100,000 calls by year-end.
Chief Dongworth emphasized that these overdose calls now constitute approximately half of all emergency responses, underscoring a shift in the firefighters’ responsibilities. This evolving role poses fresh challenges, impacting service performance and the availability of units for other emergencies, as stated by Chief Dongworth.
In response to these challenges, the department has undertaken efforts to distinguish which calls necessitate a fire response. However, the increased demand from areas like opioid overdose incidents has offset the benefits gained from this prioritization, as mentioned by Chief Dongworth.
The emotionally taxing nature of responding to overdose calls has also taken a toll on the department’s staff. Chief Dongworth acknowledged a rise in members taking leave due to the strain of these distressing situations.
Looking ahead, Chief Dongworth mentioned that the department’s budget requests to the city will need to escalate significantly to address these escalating demands. Additionally, he appealed to the province for assistance in compensating the department for the surge in medical calls, particularly those related to overdoses. Seeking reimbursement for medical response services could alleviate the strain on the department’s resources and reduce the need to seek additional funding from the city council.
Meanwhile, Monty Ghosh, an addictions specialist and professor at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta, highlighted changes in the local drug supply as a potential factor driving the spike in overdoses. Ghosh pointed to the presence of more potent forms of fentanyl combined with potent animal tranquilizers in street drugs, leading to challenges in effectively responding to overdoses with conventional naloxone doses.
This evolving drug landscape may be contributing to the heightened reliance on emergency services, with community members increasingly seeking assistance from EMS and fire services to manage overdose situations. Ghosh emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the complexities arising from the changing drug supply and its impacts on emergency response services.