B.C. paramedics report worst day for overdose calls since crisis declared

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Paramedics are calling it a sombre day, after responding to 138 overdose calls in B.C. on Wednesday.

“It was the highest day, in terms of overdose call volume ever recorded since the opioid crisis was declared five years ago,” B.C. Emergency Health Services (BC EHS) told NEWS 1130 in a statement.

Wednesday’s response breaks records previously set on June 26, 2020 and March 25, 2021. Each of those days totalled 131 calls.

The majority of the calls were in B.C.’s metro centres, including Vancouver with 45, Surrey with 17, and Victoria with 10. Between the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions, there were a total of 99 calls, making up a little more than 70 per cent of the tally.

Here's the breakdown for Wed:
–@VCHhealthcare: 48
–@Fraserhealth: 51
–@VanIslandHealth: 24
–@Interior_Health: 13
–@northernhealth_: 2

Average response right now is about 74 overdoses a day in B.C. #bchealth

— Ria Renouf ???? (@riarenouf) April 22, 2021

“BCEHS paramedics and medical emergency call takers have saved the lives of many overdose patients,” the statement read. “When BCEHS paramedics respond to a potential overdose patient, the patient has a 95 per cent chance of survival. This is why paramedics want to stress the importance of not using alone, and to call 9-1-1 if you see someone who may be experiencing an overdose.”

Last year, BC EHS responded to 27,067 overdoses. Right now, the daily average for calls is at 74.

Related articles:

• Five years since B.C. declared overdose crisis a public health emergency

• Let users carry certain amounts of drugs without criminal sanctions: Vancouver mayor

• Vancouver advocate wants language around drug-related deaths to change to reduce stigma

Last month, the province is requested a federal exemption to decriminalize drug possession. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe has encouraged people to help reduce the stigma and shame around substance use and addiction if we want to save lives.

Our province has also pledged $45 million in funding over the next three years to expanding overdose prevention services province-wide.