Outreach workers on high alert as heat wave hits Calgary amidst drug crisis

With temperatures expected to soar this weekend, there are concerns the drug crisis will make extreme heat even more dangerous for vulnerable Albertans.

Calgary temperatures are forecast to top 30 C by Monday and outreach workers are taking extra steps to ensure people experiencing homelessness and struggling with addictions are protected.

At the Calgary Drop-In Centre, staff are already watching out for negative effects of the heat.

"We're really looking out for things like heat exhaustion, extreme sunburn — so we will supply individuals with little packets of sunscreen — and dehydration," said Kevin Webb, director of emergency shelter and housing.

Extra water is available both inside and outside the building, he said.

People are encouraged to go in where it's air conditioned and they're offered cool clothing, such as shorts, if they aren't dressed appropriately for the heat.

"We have our nurse's clinic as well as a number of different medical professionals around the building that can help identify things like heat stroke," Webb said.

Dangerous combination

The heat wave comes at a time when Alberta is reporting record opioid deaths.

"My big worry is that these numbers will only be exacerbated, not just by the substance use themselves and by the toxicity of the drug supply, but also by this added stress of heat and being exposed to the elements outdoors," said Dr. Monty Ghosh, an addictions specialist and assistant professor at the University of Calgary.

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"This sort of intersection between substance use and homelessness, along with the added stress of heat, can worsen their overall situation and can lead to more deaths. So we have to be extremely careful and cautious with this population."

According to Ghosh, who works with marginalized Albertans, opioids can leave people vulnerable to the elements because they often pass out, putting them at risk of heat stroke. Other drugs, such as crystal meth and cocaine, can also worsen heat stroke.

Some of the latest drugs to enter the province's supply also increase the danger level, he said.

The animal tranquilizer xylazine, which has been dubbed 'tranq-dope,' makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself, according to Ghosh.

And benzodiazepines leave people more sedated and less able to protect themselves from the heat, he added.

"Not only were things cooler about 10 years ago, but the toxicity of the drug supply was much more predictable," he said.

"It is sort of a perfect storm — bad scenario — that can just worsen because of the heat."

Ghosh said cooling stations would help.

"As temperatures do ... continue to rise, we may need to start looking at more air-conditioned spaces to support this population and more cooling tents, for example, as well."

He's urging Albertans to be vigilant and check on people who appear to be in trouble.

"Showing them that you care, providing them with an extra bottle of water if you have one with you," said Gosh.

"One thing the average person can do is show them compassion.... It's that extra step that often makes a huge difference in their world."