The Saskatoon Firefighters Union is calling for more provincial resources and support to manage a high volume of overdose calls in Saskatchewan.
The request highlights a growing strain on emergency services as the overdose crisis exceeds the current capacity of personnel and equipment. If left unaddressed, the union suggests that response times and firefighter mental health could be compromised.
John Miller, president of the Saskatoon Firefighters Union, said the department requires additional personnel, equipment, and mental-health support to keep up with the crisis. He said that the workload remains significantly higher than normal levels.
According to data provided by the union, fire crews responded to 537 overdose calls in May 2026 [1]. While this represents a slight decrease from the previous month, the volume remains critical. In April 2026, the city saw a record 656 overdose calls [2].
"We are stretched thin and need more personnel, equipment and mental‑health support to keep up with the overdose crisis," Miller said.
The union is urging the provincial government to provide the necessary funding and resources to ensure that firefighters can continue to operate safely. The surge in calls has shifted the nature of the work for many crews, increasing the frequency of medical emergencies over traditional fire suppression duties.
"Our crews responded to 537 overdose calls last month – still far above the normal workload," Miller said [2].
“We are stretched thin and need more personnel, equipment and mental‑health support to keep up with the overdose crisis.”
The shift in call volume indicates that municipal fire services are increasingly functioning as primary frontline healthcare providers for the opioid crisis. This transition places a dual burden on the city: a physical strain on equipment and personnel, and a psychological strain on first responders who are facing record-breaking numbers of traumatic medical emergencies.
