The latest data released by the City of Calgary indicates a significant surge in overdose-related calls for the fire department, with an anticipated increase exceeding 170% compared to the previous year. Fire Chief Steve Dongworth highlighted that the rise in overdose incidents is part of a broader uptick in medical emergencies, potentially leading the department to surpass a record-breaking 100,000 calls by the year’s end.
Fire Chief Dongworth emphasized the evolving responsibilities of firefighters, noting that approximately half of all calls now pertain to overdose cases. This shift in responsibilities poses new challenges for the department, impacting service delivery and the availability of units to respond promptly to emergencies.
To tackle these challenges, the fire department has been actively identifying which calls necessitate a fire response. However, despite these efforts, the increased demand for services, particularly in responding to opioid overdoses, is absorbing the available capacity, as stated by Dongworth.
The demanding nature of these calls also takes a toll on staff members, given the emotionally challenging situations they encounter. The department has observed a rise in staff members taking leave due to the strain of responding to such incidents.
Looking ahead, Dongworth emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocations from the city to address these escalating challenges. Additionally, he called upon the province to provide reimbursement for the surge in medical calls, including those related to overdoses, to alleviate the strain on resources and avoid the necessity of seeking additional funding from the council.
Monty Ghosh, an addiction specialist and academic, pointed to shifts in the local drug supply as a potential factor driving the spike in overdose cases. Ghosh highlighted the emergence of more potent forms of fentanyl combined with stronger animal tranquilizers in street drugs, leading to increased complexities in overdose responses and potentially contributing to the heightened demand for firefighter interventions.
In response to these evolving challenges, the fire department seeks support and financial assistance from both local and provincial authorities to effectively manage the escalating demand for emergency services amidst the changing landscape of drug-related incidents.