There is no typical overdose patient. This crisis is affecting people from all walks of life. With these overdoses comes a tremendous toll on human life – a toll that is especially felt by the friends and family of victims who are affected. However, the impact of overdoses are also felt by emergency responders - like the call taker in the BCEHS dispatch centre who stays on the phone with a young caller whose friend has just overdosed, or the paramedic who responds to multiple overdose calls in a single day.  

 

For every overdose, there is a first responder working to save a life. We are proud and grateful for the energy, skill and care provided to patients each day by BCEHS calltakers, dispatchers and paramedics. Because of their work, thousands of lives have been saved, and countless parents and friends have been spared the loss of loved ones. Thank you. 

Below are media stories about this crisis and the integral role of our paramedics and dispatchers in this epidemic.