1.5 million Canadians set to join the fight against opioids

The Canadian Red Cross is announcing a new first the organization believes will help play a role in addressing Canada’s opioid crisis.

For the first time, opioid poisoning response education will be standard in first aid training offered by the Red Cross, thanks to funding from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).

The Red Cross estimates that by 2024, an additional 1.5 million Canadians will have the skills and training to help individuals suffering the effects of opioid poisoning.

Knowing how to identify and respond to #opioid poisoning can save lives. Now you can learn these important skills through Red Cross #FirstAid and CPR training: https://t.co/lfY7DxBPSN pic.twitter.com/v8RCq2Bjby

— Canadian Red Cross (@redcrosscanada) September 8, 2021

“We’ve been getting requests for it...so we know there’s a demand. There’s a need,” said first aid instructor Andrew Johnston at thefirstaidguy.ca. “It’s to assist people in learning how to recognize opioid emergencies...and to make people feel a little bit more comfortable in responding in those situations.”

Previously, individuals received opioid poisoning training when they specifically sought out these programs. Now, anyone who takes a first aid and CPR course offered by the Red Cross will be prepared to take action to prevent opioids from taking additional lives.

The training will provide participants with critical information about opioids, which could help address myths and reduce the stigma.

Don Marentette, director First Aid Programs for the Canadian Red Cross, told CTV Toronto, “One of the focuses of the project is to start increasing the awareness, helping to normalize the conversation.”

The Red Cross has recognized the need for action and will take additional steps to address a crisis that has already taken more than 21, 000 Canadians from their families over the past 5 years.

The organization aims to help reduce opioid-related deaths by increasing Canadians’ access to response training and naloxone, the life-saving medication that buys those affected enough time for medical attention.

“We have seen first-hand how the opioid crisis is devastating Canadian families and communities,” says Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring the strength of Red Cross to this very complex health and social issue.”

A primary focus of the project is to reach people at risk for opioid poisoning in underserved, remote, rural, or Indigenous communities.

To register now for opioid poisoning response training delivered as part of Red Cross first aid and CPR programming, visit myrc.redcross.ca

Training is provided in accordance with current guidelines of provincial and territorial public health authorities. In-person training options are currently available in certain jurisdictions.