Saskatoon paramedics logged more emergency calls, used less Narcan in 2024

You May Be Interested In:New Brunswick driver gets a $4,600 fine — for an accident that happened 65 years ago | CBC News


Article content

Saskatoon’s Medavie Health Service West responded to more emergency calls in 2024, but used less Narcan for overdoses.

Article content

Paramedics responded to 42,188 calls, 63 more than in 2023. The ambulance company responded to about 10,000 fewer calls five years ago in 2019.

The company said Saskatoon’s community paramedics responded to 8,032 events in 2024, compared to 3,623 events in 2023.

Article content

Medavie Health Services West Emergency Responses Year to Year. Photo by A chart showcasing Medavie Healt

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) describes community paramedicine as a preventative approach to health care where paramedics can offer services in the community like medication administration, immunizations, wellness checks and palliative supports.

“Fortunately, our community paramedicine program had a substantial impact in reducing the potential number of emergency responses in 2024. Additionally, we’ve noticed a significant decrease in the amount of Narcan administered to patients, thanks to incredible efforts of various community stakeholders,” said Troy Davies, Medavie’s director of public affairs.

Davies said the key factor in the change is that Narcan is now being used more often before paramedics arrive, which wasn’t the case a few years ago.

Medavie’s paramedics keep stocks of Narcan in their ambulances and give out 30 to 40 kits each month.

Saskatoon’s overdose outreach team, as well as the Salvation Army, Prairie Harm Reduction and the health authority also offer the kits and educate people on how to use them.

Davies noted that police and firefighters also carry Narcan kits and will sometimes arrive at calls before paramedics.

Article content

The week of Christmas is often a dangerous time for people facing homelessness, with many businesses shut down during that time. Davies said Medavie staff didn’t see any significant increases in emergency calls, adding that the warmer temperatures were probably a contributing factor.

The Saskatoon Star Phoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark thestarphoenix.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Share this article in your social network

share Paylaş facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Tobey Maguire or Tom Holland? Andrew Garfield reveals his favourite Spider-Man
Tobey Maguire or Tom Holland? Andrew Garfield reveals his favourite Spider-Man
What citizenship laws do countries follow? | Explained
What citizenship laws do countries follow? | Explained
Co-owner of B.C. boat can't gift it to ex, must keep paying shared expenses, CRT rules
Co-owner of B.C. boat can’t gift it to ex, must keep paying shared expenses, CRT rules
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ review: Disney’s prequel is a visual spectacle but no match to the original
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ review: Disney’s prequel is a visual spectacle but no match to the original
Graduate voters urged to exercise their right to vote
Centre’s decision sparks controversy; ‘Chandigarh’ issue at front burner
Montreal public library says it can't host English book club, citing Quebec's new language law | CBC News
Montreal public library says it can’t host English book club, citing Quebec’s new language law | CBC News
Pulse of the World | © 2024 | News