Nurses at the Saskatoon Community Clinic have been performing so much CPR that they are asking for better knee pads. This startling revelation came during a city hall discussion about the community safety program, as first responder services face unprecedented challenges around homelessness and overdoses.
Unprecedented Demand on First Responders
Toby Esterby, chief operations officer for the non-profit clinic, stated, “I shouldn’t have to order knee pads for our staff to make it easier or more comfortable for them to do overdose response.” He emphasized that a primary care facility should not have to respond to overdoses. Speaking during National Nurse’s Week in Saskatoon, Esterby highlighted the severe strain on resources.
Esterby noted that a 2024 article, in which he predicted the homelessness crisis would worsen, has proven accurate. The point-in-time homelessness count has since quadrupled, while services in the city have declined. He pointed to recent changes in SAID benefits, where recipients can no longer get reimbursed for taxi rides, as an example of reduced support.
Immediate and Long-Term Solutions Needed
Esterby stressed the need for immediate responses to keep people alive, but also for longer-term solutions and greater advocacy to other levels of government. Despite budget constraints, he argued that investments to address these issues would reduce overall costs. “There’s a list of boxes that need to get checked off for someone to get out of homelessness,” he said, adding, “I have not met a single person that does not want to be well. But they can’t get there because when they ask for help, nobody listens.”
Mayor Cynthia Block asked Esterby if the province is doing enough with its recovery efforts. Esterby joked, “She says, asking the person who is fully-funded by the province.” He acknowledged that sustainable non-profits must work with the government, but treatment choices need to be tailored to individual needs. “Demand is through the roof and supply is next to nothing,” he said. “If this was a for-profit business, they’d be rolling in money. Unfortunately, we’re talking about community solutions, and we’re drowning in need.”
Business Improvement Districts and Communication
Coun. Senos Timon inquired about engagement with business improvement districts (BIDs) regarding the community safety program. Pamela Goulden McLeod, director of emergency management, said they update BIDs via email and are working with communications and community engagement teams to develop a better strategy to convey the city’s work on community safety.
