The sale of streets drugs laced with animal tranquilizers is taking its toll in Alberta. In recent weeks, EMS responses to opioid-related events have neared record levels.
Troy Bevans, left, and Lauren Cameron, second from right, are members of the Alberta Alliance Who Educates and Advocates Responsibly. Bevans and Cameron say they've been calling EMS at a greater frequency in recent weeks to revive people on the street.
Before they head out, they fill their backpacks with new meth pipes and straight shooters — which are mainly used for crack cocaine — along with basic necessities like hygiene kits, clothing and water. Troy Bevans works with the Calgary chapter of AAWEAR, which calls itself "Grateful or Dead," a play on the name of the 1960s American rock band, the Grateful Dead. Bevans was out on the street for more than two decades."Troy, we came a long way, and I feel like, if you can do it, I can do it," the woman said.Along with the gear, Bevans and Cameron have also brought with them their personal experience.
Lauren Cameron is with the Alberta Alliance Who Educates and Advocates Responsibly. She says the drug supply has grown increasingly toxic since she was doing heroin in Vancouver 10 years ago. Users who come into contact with the tranquilizer can fall into blackout states and develop agonizing wounds or "rotting flesh," sometimes requiring amputation.
A spokesperson with the province's ministry of mental health and addiction said data on mortalities is posted after it is received by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which generally takes around two months. "If we were taking this issue seriously, we would have public health officials out regularly, at least monthly, telling us what's circulating, what the impacts are on people, and how people can keep themselves safe."
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