Ottawa

Firefighters to start naloxone training on May 26

The city's firefighters will begin training next week in how to administer naloxone in an effort to combat the growing opioid crisis.

All city firefighters expected to be trained in administering the opioid antidote by end of June

A container of Naloxone nasal spray.
Naloxone nasal spray is part of the kit Ottawa Public Health gives to drug users. Firefighters had been waiting for training on how to administer Naloxone. (Hallie Cotnam/CBC)

Ottawa's 1,500 professional and volunteer firefighters will begin training to administer naloxone on May 26, in an effort to combat the city's growing opioid crisis.

Ottawa fire Chief Gerry Pingitore told the community and protective services committee Thursday that the trainers are themselves being trained this week.

The chief said he expects all firefighters to be trained in administering the opioid antidote by the end of June.

"It's important to note that emergency responders are liable when administering naloxone as part of their regular duties, therefore it requires a much more formal training before they use the kits," Pingitore told councillors.