BTES seeing a decrease in overdose calls

By Lethbridge Herald on March 26, 2026.

By Alexandra Noad

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter-Lethbridge Herald

The Blood Tribe Emergency Services (BTES) has received zero overdose-related emergency calls since last December, marking a significant milestone for the Blood Tribe.

This three-month period marks the longest stretch of zero-drug-related interventions in recent history, signalling a decline in opioid overdoses and toxicity deaths on the Blood Tribe Reserve.

BTES completed over 3,400 patient care reports and reported 44 overdose related calls during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

While the number of overdose related responses has dropped, BTES crews remain busy responding to emergency calls including grass fires, motor vehicle collisions and medical assists.

Travis Coleman, director for BTES says the drop in overdose calls helps keep resources available for these other calls they receive.

“The decline in overdose calls keeps our first responders and resources readily available for the next high equity and trauma calls.”

He adds the drop in overdose responses also gives them time for community engagements.

Even with this rare moment of reprieve, the historic news offers first responders, BTES reminds community members to never use substances alone. Having someone present in the event of an accidental overdose can be the difference between life or death.

Coleman believes the Blood Tribe’s harm reduction programs have given their community the awareness, training and resources needed to help members of the Blood Tribe.

A full list of facilities offering Naloxone kits can be found at www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page15586.aspx.