POLICE AIM TO DROP ROUTINE OVERDOSE CALLS

New Policy Lets Police 'Deploy Resources More Effectively'

Vancouver police are considering a policy of not responding to every
emergency drug overdose call unless specifically requested to do so by
paramedics.

"It's important that people understand that this is simply a review of our
policy," Constable Sarah Bloor said on Thursday of the proposal, which will
be presented to the police board Nov. 19.

"What we're looking at is if [paramedics] are called to an overdose, if
it's routine, meaning if it's a medical need for assistance, there may not
be a need to have police resources attend. The police don't need to stand
by and observe that.

"But if there's a situation where perhaps it's more suspicious in nature or
the victim or people around the victim are move combative, then we may
assist if we're requested to do so."

Paramedics say the proposal could help save lives, so long as police still
respond to situations in which an ambulance crew's safety might be jeopardized.

Ambulance/Paramedics Union president John Strohmaier said a police presence
often scares away witnesses and friends of overdose victims who may be able
to help by telling crews what drug was taken and how much.

"Obviously these people are dealing with illicit drugs and things that are
illegal," he said. "It's not in their interest to stay around while the
police are there.

Strohmaier said he "could live with" the proposal. "But we don't want the
Vancouver police to make a unilateral decision to no longer respond to drug
overdose calls," he said. "Our paramount concern is for the safety of our
paramedics [and] we won't jeopardize paramedics' safety."

Paramedics attend more than 100 overdose calls per month in the Lower Mainland.