Edmonton’s emergency medical services are grappling with a surge in opioid-related events, with a 44% increase in responses recorded in 2023.
Last year, EMS attended a total of 5,048 opioid-related events, higher than the 3,503 incidents in 2022.
Edmonton is now the Alberta city most affected by the toxic drug crisis, outpacing Calgary’s 2,965 incidents in 2023. This increase is particularly concerning given the broader context of rising drug poisonings across the province.
EMS responses to opioid-related events across the province have risen from 7,078 in 2022 to 10,078 in 2023, a nearly 42% increase.
Hunter Baril, press secretary to Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams, said that responding to the addiction crisis is a “top priority” for all of Alberta. He emphasized the need for immediate action, citing the strain on the healthcare system, according to the Edmonton Sun.
“Same-day treatment is available at no cost through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program anywhere across the province. Since 2019, we have also added more than 10,000 publicly-funded treatment spaces and have thousands more on the way through the opening of 11 long-term recovery communities,” said Baril.
The province removed all fees for publicly funded treatment, including the $1,240/month user fee that was in place under the NDP.
Overdose calls in Edmonton have nearly doubled over the past two years. As of December 18, there were 9,299 overdose calls, a significant jump from 6,552 in 2022 and even more so from 5,186 in all of 2021.
Edmonton Fire Chief Joe Zatylny, in a year-end interview, noted the top three locations for overdose calls were around the downtown and central Edmonton area and that overdose calls have risen by 30% year-over-year.
“It’s not sustainable, and these are difficult calls, as you can imagine,” he said. “This crisis has been extremely difficult for our firefighters. I’d like to acknowledge the toll that it takes on first responders, and the continued compassionate and dedicated service.”
He added that the type of calls responded to by first responders were often at encampments. Many of these areas, he said, had difficulty in egress and access, along with fire and explosion hazards.
“It is an extremely unsafe situation and many challenges for our first responders.”
In light of these challenges, Edmonton Fire and Rescue Services has increased mental health support for its staff. They are also collaborating with the Edmonton Police Service to create more holistic and robust programs.
True North previously reported that 1,411 Albertans died from opioid poisonings between January and September 30, 2023. During the same period last year, 1,124 Albertans died from opioid poisoning, a nearly 26% increase.
Baril highlighted the province’s commitment to recovery.
“Every person suffering from the deadly disease of addiction deserves an opportunity to pursue recovery, and our government is making that possible rather than facilitating the addiction that is tearing apart families, taking lives, breaking down communities,” he said.
Albertans suffering from opioid addiction can seek immediate help through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program. This service offers same-day access to medication treatment at no cost, with no waitlist. For assistance, individuals can visit VODP.ca or call 1-844-383-7688.
