Calgary First Aid: Concerns Raised as Nearly Half of Toronto Officers Assigned Naloxone Lack Updated CPR Training
Toronto Police are preparing to equip nearly 1,000 officers with naloxone kits by the end of June — a major step in responding to the city’s opioid crisis. However, a new report presented to the Toronto Police Services Board reveals a significant gap: almost half of the officers selected to carry naloxone do not have up-to-date CPR or first aid certification.
This information comes from a CBC News report published in April 2018, which provides detailed findings on the issue. You can read the full original article here:
👉 Nearly half of officers set to get naloxone training don’t have updated CPR training
Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, making proper training essential. The report, commissioned by the Toronto Police Services Board, highlights training challenges within several divisions and raises concerns from both police leadership and harm-reduction advocates.
What the Report Found
According to the study:
44% of officers expected to receive naloxone have expired or soon-to-expire first aid or CPR training.
More than half of these officers work in high drug-use areas, including Toronto’s 51, 52, and 55 Divisions.
- Naloxone will be carried by front-line primary response officers, the Gun and Gang Task Force, Toronto Drug Squad, major crime unit sergeants, and detectives.
Despite these gaps, Toronto Police leadership insists the rollout remains safe and effective.
“Yes, You Should Be Concerned,” Says Police Union President
Mike McCormack, President of the Toronto Police Association, acknowledges the concern:
“Their training as far as CPR isn’t being kept up to date. It’s not the officer’s fault — it’s a staffing issue.”
Years of staffing shortages have made it difficult for officers to take time away from front-line duties to complete recertification courses.
Police Leadership Says There’s No Need to Panic
Superintendent Scott Baptist, who is coordinating the naloxone program, notes that while certifications may lapse, many officers have extensive past training:
“An officer that gets first aid training every two years does it to maintain a certification. However, they may have gone for training 12 times in their career.”
To close the training gap:
540 officers with valid CPR credentials will begin naloxone training immediately through a one-hour online course.
Officers with expired certification will undergo a one- or two-day CPR recertification course.
Toronto Police College has the capacity to begin training all remaining officers right away.
Concerns From Harm-Reduction Workers
Some harm-reduction advocates argue that police presence at overdose scenes can discourage people from calling 911.
Zoe Dodd, a harm-reduction worker, explains:
“People are so afraid of the police… One of the biggest issues we have is people not calling for paramedics because they’re afraid police will arrive.”
She points to Vancouver as an example of adjusting overdose response strategies to reduce fear among drug users.
Police leadership maintains that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection to callers and that saving lives remains the priority.
A Step Forward — Though Behind Other Police Services
Toronto Police are nearly a year behind other forces in adopting naloxone. Peel Regional Police, for instance, began carrying naloxone nasal spray in June 2017.
Stay Certified: Your Skills Can Save a Life
This story highlights how essential it is to keep first aid and CPR training current. Whether you are a first responder, workplace safety leader, or community member, renewing your certification ensures your skills remain sharp in emergencies.
If your CPR or first aid certification is due for renewal, learn more about local recertification options here:
👉 CPR & First Aid Re-Certifications – Calgary First Aid
Helpful Resources
Mayo Clinic – First Aid
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aidFirst Aid Overview
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_aidNaloxone Information (Addiction Center)
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/medications/naloxone/
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