Vancouver Fire Services Respond to Record Number of Overdoses and Emergencies
The Vancouver Fire Rescue Services have reported a significant rise in overdoses and emergencies within the city, reaching an unprecedented level. On November 21, the department faced its highest number of single-day overdose responses to date.
Cpt. Matt Trudeau shared that crews were called to 54 incidents on that particular Friday, marking a troubling escalation from the average of 20 to 25 overdose reports they typically handle daily.
Speaking to 1130 NewsRadio, Trudeau emphasized the toll these crises take on both the community and the firefighters themselves. He underscored that while crews are resilient, the constant exposure to extreme human suffering can affect individuals in various ways, pushing them to their limits.
Trudeau recounted a distressing incident involving a drug overdose compounded by the addition of another potent substance, likely an animal tranquilizer mixed with fentanyl.
To address the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis and prevent “compassion fatigue” among team members, Firehall 2 has implemented a limit of 81 shifts for its firefighters. The recent surge in emergency calls, with approximately 452 last week compared to 229 during the same period last year, further underscores the severity of the situation.
The Vancouver Fire Rescue Services stress that the opioid crisis continues to impact families, communities, and first responders daily, highlighting the urgent need for support and intervention in combating this pressing issue.
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As emergency responses surge, Firehall 2 enforces shift limit to prevent burnout among firefighters, with support needed to address ongoing opioid crisis.