Opioid Calls Surpass Alcohol in Winnipeg for First Time

For the first time, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service reports that opioid-related emergency calls have surpassed alcohol-related calls.

Through the first five months of 2026, paramedics responded to 2,435 opioid calls versus 1,989 alcohol calls. In all of 2024, alcohol calls outnumbered opioid calls 4,228 to 3,091.

Deputy Chief Tom Wallace called the trend unsustainable, noting crews often respond to the same individuals multiple times per shift. Naloxone administration has spiked: 3,458 times so far this year, compared to 4,900 in all of 2025.

Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, highlighted paramedic burnout amid 107 workforce vacancies. Joseph Fourre of the Singing Red Bear Foundation urged more accessible treatment, including mobile RAAM clinics and opioid replacement therapy.