Most opioid poisonings are accidental

Nasal naloxone saves lives.

SJA provides opioid poisoning response training that meets the needs of:

Individuals

Opioid poisonings are on the rise across Canada. With proper training, you can be ready to save someone’s life. St. John Ambulance (SJA) has free in-person and self-paced online training programs on opioid awareness and response.

Underserved communities

Many communities across Canada experience high rates of opioid use but lack the appropriate support to manage and prevent poisonings. SJA provides free, online, facilitator-led training programs about opioid poisonings and how to use nasal naloxone. All trainees receive a free nasal naloxone kit upon completion.

Shelters & support organizations

Frontline workers are responding to more opioid poisonings in their organizations. SJA has free, online, facilitator-led training sessions to give frontline workers the education and tools they need to learn more about opioid poisonings and how to use naloxone. All trainees receive a free nasal naloxone kit upon completion.

SJA provides support for those directly impacted by opioid poisonings

The Accidental Drug Poisoning Crisis – Community of Practice (ADPC-CoP) is a national initiative that aims to connect people with lived experience, frontline workers, and anyone else impacted by the opioid crisis to discuss ideas, challenges, and trends in a safe space.

Keynotes & workshops

Events take place online once a month, providing an accessible space to share resources and create community-based solutions for the opioid crisis.

Helpful resources

Our CoP newsletter and other resources provide useful information on opioid poisonings, and actions that communities can take to reduce their impact.

Stronger together

Participants benefit by being part of a nationwide community of like-minded, supportive individuals who understand the challenges of being a frontline worker through the opioid crisis.

Our impact

0

Participants trained to respond to an opioid poisoning emergency

0 %

of trainees reported high comfort levels to respond to an opioid poisoning upon completing training

0

Nasal naloxone kits distributed

0 %

would recommend SJA Opioid Poisoning Response Training to others

I see myself ready to assist our residents and community members who may be suffering from opioid poisoning and then we have a reduced case of death resulting from overdose.

Training Program Participant

I feel confident knowing that if I come across someone who has been poisoned that I now have the skills to try and reverse it.

Training Program Participant

I love the holistic approach of this training, from the biological side to societal stigma to the actual administration of nasal naloxone. I think one thing our organization is working at always improving is using language that does not connote blame and that is supportive and restorative. I appreciate that this was included.

Training Program Participant

This training is vital in ensuring that harm reduction is the focus in providing care and that we rid ourselves of any stigmas or presumptions we might have in dealing with addiction.

Client Feedback

National Drug Alert System

94% of opioid deaths are accidental, and people are dying every day from the contaminated drug supply.

Through crowdsourcing, SJA works with harm reduction and drug-checking services from across the country to provide accurate, up-to-date information about the contaminated drug supply so Canadians can be more aware.

SJA has free nasal Naloxone kits

It’s everyone’s responsibility to get trained and carry nasal naloxone because it can save lives. SJA provides desperately needed opioid and nasal naloxone training, as well as nasal naloxone kits to individuals, communities, and organizations that are struggling to manage opioid poisonings.

  • 1 hard case
  • 2x doses of nasal Naloxone 4mg/0.1ml
  • 1x one-way breathing barrier
  • 1x pair of non-latex gloves
  • 1x “Trained to Give Naloxone” card
  • 1x fold-out instruction page

Helpful resources

Find a naloxone kit near me

Many provinces and territories offer free naloxone kits.

Drug trend reports

Read the latest drug reports across Canada to stay informed about the current state of the opioid crisis.

Opioid poisoning preparedness

Download a useful poster that can help if you suspect an opioid poisoning.

[PDF 385.50 KB]
Download the poster

About St. John Ambulance

St. John Ambulance is at the forefront, providing first aid training and medical assistance to people in need. In any disaster, human or natural, St. John Ambulance Canada volunteers are there to offer assistance, expertise, caring, and compassion.