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By Caden Fanshaw

Health

Local first responders under pressure from call volumes, illicit drug crisis

May 24, 2023 | 4:39 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Fire crews and paramedics continue to face high call volumes across BC including here in Prince George.

The illicit drug crisis continues to have an effect on that as Prince George faces some of the highest numbers per capita of deaths related to overdoses across BC in recent months according to data provided by the BC Coroners Service.

BC Emergency Health Services and the union representing members both said responding to overdose-related calls can take a toll on someone as they are often very intense and critical level calls relative to other types of calls.

Medical calls have also spiked for PG Fire Rescue, but other types of calls are spiking as well according to Fire Chief Cliff Warner.

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“From 2015 to 2022 we saw about a 50% increase in our medical call volume,” said Warner. “Our reporting shows it is actually number nine on our list of percentage increases over that timeframe. Some of those are related to the social issues that we are seeing downtown.”

According to Warner, fire-related calls make up most of the top 10 including burning complaints, and false alarms due to house alarm systems.