Firefighters in Waterloo can now carry and administer naloxone
Posted Dec 12, 2019 02:48:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Waterloo firefighters are now able to carry and administer naloxone and epinephrine.
“When you call 9-1-1, often Waterloo Fire Rescue is first on the scene. This new training and medication for overdoses and allergic reactions means that treatment can start earlier, potentially saving lives.” Mayor Dave Jaworsky said in a release.
Naloxone is used to treat patients experiencing an opioid overdose, while epinephrine is used to treat severe life-threatening allergic reactions.
Waterloo Fire Rescue says the medical oversight program gives them expanded tools to help address the opioid crisis and severe allergic reactions that occur in the city.
Waterloo Fire Rescue Chief, Richard Hepditch tells Kitchener Today with Brian Bourke on 570 NEWS the goal is to help treat allergic reactions and overdoses as early as possible, “It makes more sense everyday. And what we're really doing here is giving first-responders the tools, the training and in this case the resources,”
All will be done so under the licence and supervision of an experienced doctor who works in the emergency care system.
“We are working with two doctors … who of course have a background in emergency medicine. They specialize in pre-hospital and transport medicine and that's what the program is built upon.” added Hepditch.
Firefighters in Cambridge were given the green light to administer naloxone to patients back in September.
with files from Erin Anderson
