BC's nurses and firefighters stand together to address province-wide opioid crisis

BC's nurses and firefighters say the province-wide opioid crisis is taking its toll on first responders who are working around the clock to save lives.

So far this year, over 622 people have died of drug overdoses and that number is expected to surpass 750 by year's end.

BCNU President Gayle Duteil says frontline nurses, in communities across the province, are already stretched thin.

"Nurses working in emergency rooms, addiction centres, Insite, and elsewhere in BC are exhausted. Many are working 16-hour shifts and resuscitating people in waiting rooms. They are doing an amazing job dealing with this unprecedented crisis but we need to make sure they have the support they need to get through this."

Duteil is pleased to hear that federal legislative changes and provincial resources have been announced that will speed up the opening of safe injection sites and provide additional services, but adds there must be more attention paid to staffing levels.

"An ER dealing with multiple overdoses needs additional nursing staff to avoid being thrown into chaos. Three new overdose prevention sites and a mobile medical unit will all have to be adequately staffed in order to provide the care so desperately needed."

Gord Ditchburn, President of the BC Professional Firefighters' Association, echoes the concerns about the lasting effects the seemingly endless crisis management is having on his members.

"This devastating epidemic is taking its toll on firefighters and all first responders in their emotional and physical wellbeing. We are here to support our members in the need for increased resources and assistance."