While ambulances have been carrying naloxone for years, RCMP officers will soon have the training and tools to administer the emergency treatment as a first responder.
The RCMP have announced a national rollout of naloxone for officers as a tool to protect themselves and the public, in case of an emergency.
Medical Officer for Central Vancouver Island Dr. Paul Hassselback says the more naloxone in the hands of first responders means more lives saved.
Hasselback says they have been strongly pushing for this over the last year. He says the availability of the naloxone nasal spray has helped overcome a barrier.
With fentanyl showing up in 80-percent of street drugs, Hasselback says he expects this will become standard practice for all emergency services in the future.
It is unknown at this time when the national rollout will reach our local detachments.
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