WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Manitoba government is developing a strategy to help police officers, firefighters and paramedics manage the growing pressure of drug-related emergencies, as repeated overdose calls place increasing demands on frontline services.
The initiative comes amid concerns that first responders are dealing with more overdose incidents, particularly in Winnipeg, where opioid-related calls have reached record levels. The government says it wants to strengthen support for emergency personnel while improving the province’s response to the toxic drug crisis.
Opioid Calls Increasing Pressure on Paramedics
Data from Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) shows that paramedics responded to 4,040 opioid-related calls between January and August 2026. That figure had already exceeded the 3,270 calls recorded throughout 2025.
During the same eight-month period, paramedics administered 5,712 doses of naloxone, compared with 4,900 doses during all of 2025.
WFPS Deputy Chief of Paramedic Operations Tom Wallace said the repetitive nature of overdose emergencies is becoming increasingly challenging for frontline staff. He also noted that opioid-related calls have surpassed alcohol-related incidents for the first time in the service’s recorded comparison.
Government Expands Support for Frontline Services
Manitoba has already introduced funding measures aimed at strengthening the response to drug-related emergencies.
In June, the provincial government announced a $1-million investment to improve overdose response services. The funding included $802,000 for a three-month pilot involving a dedicated, two-person mobile paramedic team available around the clock in downtown Winnipeg.
Additional funding was allocated to provide oxygen equipment and overdose-response training for community organizations and frontline workers.
The government subsequently announced another $6.8 million in funding for measures addressing the toxic drug crisis, including support for outreach organizations, harm-reduction supplies and overdose-response teams.
New Crisis Response Model Under Development
Winnipeg is also moving forward with plans for a community-based crisis response system that could redirect more than 10,000 eligible calls annually from police, firefighters and paramedics.
The proposed model would connect people experiencing certain mental health, addiction and wellness crises with trained community responders. Emergency services would continue handling situations involving violence, medical emergencies and immediate safety risks.
City council approved development of the model in September, with further coordination expected between municipal and provincial authorities.
Focus on First Responder Well-Being
The growing number of overdose emergencies has raised concerns about the physical and emotional demands placed on emergency personnel.
Manitoba’s developing strategy is intended to strengthen frontline support as the province continues addressing addiction, public safety and access to treatment.
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