Public Alert: Spike in opioid-related EMS calls in Calgary and Edmonton

EDMONTON - Alberta Health Services has recently seen a higher-than-average number of opioid-related EMS responses in Calgary and Edmonton.

In Calgary, there was 85 opioid-related EMS responses from Nov. 29 – Dec. 5. During the last month EMS responded to between 44-58 calls a week.

In Edmonton, there was 140 opioid-related EMS responses from Nov. 29 – Dec. 5. During the last month EMS responded to between 57-112 calls a week.
Ongoing work is underway to connect with local partners to understand the circumstances, local context, and support required.

If you or someone you love needs help related to substance use, help is available that reduce the risk of overdose and death. In an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department. For support or treatment options call the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322, or for a listing of available opioid dependency programs visit Opioid Agonist Treatment Clinics in Alberta - College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta | CPSA. AHS also has the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, call 1-844-383-7688 to start today.
 
The Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) is a free, discrete mobile app that can help prevent overdose deaths among people using opioids and other substances while alone, available in Edmonton, Calgary and surrounding communities. The DORS app can be downloaded from any smart phone’s app store, or through the links available on DORSApp.ca.

If you are going to use illegal drugs, remember:

• Ask someone to check on you or use while on the phone with a trusted person able to call for assistance in the event of an overdose.
• Use supervised consumption services (SCS) if possible.
• Always do a test dose to check the potency or strength of the drug.
• Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning/overdose and call 911 always for direction and support.
• Carry a naloxone kit and know to use it to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning.
• Connect with your local harm reduction, health and social services agencies (e.g., income support, housing).
• Reach out to available substance use treatment, recovery-oriented supports (e.g., opioid agonist therapy, specialty addiction recovery programs), and mental health services.