Some Toronto police officers are expected to be equipped with naloxone but have expired first aid training. Naloxone is a drug that reverses an opioid overdose. Based on a new report, those who are chosen to administer the life-saving drug have expired first aid training.
Based on the report, 44% of the officers who will be carrying naloxone are either currently working with expired first aid training or the training is about to expire. More than half of those requiring a CPR update are assigned in areas where there is heavy drug use.
An issue of concern
According to Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, it is not the fault of the officer if CPR is not updated since it is a staffing issue. The depletion of officers over the last few years strained on the police force and officers cannot take the necessary time to update certain courses or training.
The coordination of the naloxone project is carried out by Toronto Police Superintendent Scott Baptist. Although the officers are not required to renew their CPR training once it expires after 2 years, there is no need to panic.
Updated CPR training
An officer who receives first aid training every 2 years to maintain a certification. Nevertheless, they may have gone for training up to 12 times in their career.
Almost 1,000 officers are assigned to carry naloxone including the frontline primary response unit, members of the Gun and Gang Task Force, major crime unit sergeants, Toronto Drug Squad and detectives.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid course and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_aid
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/medications/naloxone/