The opioid crisis and the rise of fentanyl have enveloped many communities and created challenges across society. Nowhere is this more apparent than in British Columbia, Canada, which is home to one of Canda’s highest concentrations of overdoses. These challenges have fallen acutely on public safety — EMS, fire, and police.
Len Garis, affilaited faculty of the Regenhard Center and Fire Chief for the City of Surrey, BC, will discuss their unique approach to the problem, which has included additional resources, partnering with local, Provincial, and national agencies, and a data-driven approach to managing the emergency response problem.
Using data and in-house capabilities, the Surrey Fire Service has undertaken a range of activities to deal with this crisis. This talk with have lessons for emergency repsonders, public health advocates, and law enforcement.