VANCOUVER—Paramedics will use bicycles and all-terrain vehicles in high-overdose areas to respond to a worsening opioid crisis in British Columbia, the province’s health minister says. had the highest number of overdose-related 911 calls ever recorded,” Terry Lake said Friday, adding bikes and ATVs will be used in locations where ambulances are difficult to navigate. Lake also announced a $5-million funding boost for health emergency services and said medical-support units will be placed in some high overdose locations including the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver and in Surrey. “These special units will act as a resupply station for paramedics, as well as provide care information and triage for those using drugs,” he said in a statement. British Columbia has had the highest number of overdose deaths related to fentanyl compared to elsewhere in Canada, with the provincial coroner’s service reporting that most of the 622 illicit-drug deaths recorded between January and October involved the powerful painkiller.

Source: thestar November 25, 2016 20:44 UTC