First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies

The purpose of this lesson is to explore the growing opioid crisis in Canada. The increase in the use of both prescription opioids and illegal drugs, the changing nature of the drug supply, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an alarming increase in deaths and hospitalizations from opioid poisonings. 

In this module, you will learn some reasons for the worsening crisis, how pandemic-related protocols may have reduced access to harm reduction resources and how decreased social connection can contribute to bystander reluctance, especially with strangers. 

This lesson aims to examine how stigma affects opioid harm reduction activities, often 'othering' people who use drugs. By reducing stigma, we can remove barriers that prevent people from accessing help, leading to faster response rates and better health outcomes. 

In this module you learn how opioid poisoning emergencies can impact all Canadians and how using person-first language reduces stereotypes and promotes respect and dignity.

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the concept of an opioid poisoning emergency. It will provide some basic background information that will help you understand the characteristics of opioids and how they can affect the body. 

You will learn how opioids affect the body, why we use the word “poisoning” instead of “overdose,” and strategies to prevent an opioid poisoning emergency. 

This lesson will introduce you to naloxone and explore the effects of this life-saving medication. You will learn how naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioids within the body, how to access naloxone, and how to prepare and administer intranasal and intramuscular naloxone. 

In this module, you will learn how to care for a person with opioid poisoning, including an introduction to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Whenever a person is unresponsive and not breathing, you will need to do CPR. 

Everyone can help in an emergency, no matter their skills, training, or abilities. A person who is experiencing opioid poisoning needs help, and there are lots of different ways to help them. 

In this module, you will identify how to use the qualities and skills you have to help in an emergency.

Learn how to recognize and provide care for a suspected opioid poisoning emergency. Here you will learn how to apply your CPR and naloxone administration skills. You will be introduced to “Check, Call, Care” and how to monitor the person and the scene while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.

Being involved in an emergency or personally impacted by the opioid crisis can affect our well-being. Taking the time to learn about the types of stress and how we can better take care of ourselves is a life journey. In this module you will learn the importance of checking in on your physical, emotional and mental health after a stressful situation. You will learn how to use the Look, Listen, Link, Live model to maintain your resilience daily and after an emergency.