St. John Ambulance Saskatchewan offering training program to combat overdose crisis
Global News
St. John Ambulance has launched a new program that aims to train people on how to respond to an opioid overdose as the province continues to battle with climbing overdose numbers.
A new training program has been launched by St. John Ambulance Canada following a year when overdose numbers reached new highs in different parts of the country.
The organization has announced what they call their opioid poisoning response training program. The program will offer opioid overdose training and naloxone kits to people who complete the course.
Michael Brenholen, director of operations for St. John Ambulance in Saskatchewan, said the free training is done primarily online with a video component explaining the different steps to help someone who is experiencing an overdose.
“(The course) is something that’s easy, something that anyone can do,” Brenholen explained. “With a little training and given the confidence to do what they need to do, they can then go forth and help someone who is having a difficulty.”
Once a person completes the training modules, they will receive a nasal naloxone kit that will be sent to them in the mail. The kit will include two Narcan nasal sprays, gloves and a face shield to provide a barrier if CPR becomes necessary.
When asked who should consider taking the course, Brenholen said he encourages everyone to do so.
“Opioid overdoses can occur anywhere. It’s not just something that you will see in certain parts of a town. You’ll see it anywhere in the province. Rural, urban, it doesn’t matter,” Brenholen told Global News.
In their announcement, St. John Ambulance said they are offering the program to help more Canadians during “a public health crisis.”