Calgary, Edmonton paramedics see jump in opioid calls
Posted Dec 8, 2021 10:39 am.
Last Updated Dec 8, 2021 10:40 am.
Alberta Health Services says paramedics in Calgary and Edmonton are seeing more opioid-related calls than normal as of late.
AHS reports that there were 85 opioid-related EMS responses between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 in Calgary.
Over the same week in Edmonton, there were 140 opioid-related EMS responses.
AHS pointing to ways for those who use drugs to help reduce their risk of a severe outcome. #yeg #yyc #ableg pic.twitter.com/rENH6QKhWY
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) December 8, 2021
During the last month, Calgary EMS responded to as many as 58 calls a week and Edmonton EMS responded to as many as 112 calls a week.
The health authority says its working with local partners to understand the circumstances and to provide appropriate support.
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The province is taking the opportunity to remind people who use opiates to use with someone you trust so you’re not alone and ask them to check in on you to make sure you’re not overdosing, to use a supervised consumption site if possible, and to carry a naloxone kit.
You can also use the DORS app, which can help prevent overdose deaths
