‘We’ve reached the breaking point’: WFPS dealing with skyrocketing calls

As CTV’s Michelle Gerwing reports, conditions for Winnipeg firefighters and paramedics are reaching a crisis point.

A new report reveals the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is under extreme stress as its members struggle to respond to more fires, rescues and medical emergencies than ever before.

The report was issued to update a city committee on the service’s master plan. Introduced in 2018, the blueprint aimed to address infrastructure and operating challenges by closing and consolidating fire paramedic stations for quicker, more efficient response.

In its update, the city said the increased demand for the WFPS has led to more 911 calls, longer response times and staff burnout.

“The system is under stress, and I know this because we go out and talk to the people who are doing the work every day,” said WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt.

According to the report, fires spiked by 87 per cent between 2019 and 2023. Significant increases were noted in outdoor fires and blazes in residential properties, including vacant ones.

Overall population growth, crime, and socioeconomic challenges are among the factors driving the trend, the report said.

The number of medical calls, meanwhile, rose by 23 per cent between 2019 and 2023.

The report also finds WFPS recorded a staggering 1,372 per cent increase in the number of medical calls related to opiates between 2016 to 2023.

Also of note – 2023 marked the first time ever there were months where WFPS responded to more calls related to opiates than alcohol.

The report also said the numbers of calls involving substance use are likely higher because reporting relies on the patient’s description of events.

Nick Kasper, president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg, said the increase in calls comes at a cost.

“What we’re seeing is a record volume of time loss in Workers Compensation Board claims, psychological illness, injury and long-term absences as a result.”

Those vacancies are being back-filled with overtime, he said, meaning workers who are already dealing with higher call volumes than ever before are getting less time to recuperate.

That translated to an additional $7 million for overtime expenses last year alone, Kasper said.

“We’ve stretched ourselves about as thin as we can, and we’ve reached the breaking point,” he said.

This is if the first update done in writing at the request of the standing policy committee on community services. Committee chair Vivian Santos said the data is helpful.

“Especially for council members, to really see the crux of the issues and the root causes of the problems in the city,” she said.

- With files from CTV’s Michelle Gerwing