CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Naloxone available at library, staff trained to administer life-saving drug

Mar 7, 2018 | 3:11 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The opioid crisis in Canada continues to grow and it’s hitting communities harder than ever before.

The life-saving drug, naloxone, is becoming more readily available and one community space in the city wanted to have it on hand.

Employees at the Medicine Hat Public Library are making sure they’re prepared in case anyone ever finds themselves in an emergency.

Library staff were trained on how to administer naloxone about a year ago and they’ve had kits on hand for about six months.

Gillian Reimer, Head of marketing with the library, said library staff go through regular training with different community groups throughout the city.

Staff with HIV Community Link had approached the library and suggested having a kit on hand, knowing the community space is open to everyone.

Reimer said her colleagues couldn’t have agreed more with the idea.

“Our staff has a really good, close relationship with a lot of our patrons,” she said. “A lot of people come in here every single day and they start to become, like, friends and family. So knowing that you could maybe help a close friend or a family member or someone else’s close friend or family member, I think that’s what motivated our staff.”

The library has two kits in case of an emergency.

One is kept upstairs with the first aid kit.

The second is on the lower level where staff have access to it.

Reimer said it’s an important life-saving tool, along with the AED, which can be found in the front lobby.

No one at the library has had to use the naloxone kit, and Reimer hopes no one will, she said it’s important that everyone is trained on how to use it, just in case.

“Any public space really should be able to be equipped with life saving devices,” she added. “Opioids are a scary thing right now and they’re way too common and if we can help at all, then we’re willing to try.”

Officials with the city of Medicine Hat say right now they’re not considering having naloxone at any other public facilities.

Paramedics, fire fighters and police officers all carry the life saving antidote. It can also be accessed at many pharmacies around the city.