Nova Scotia RCMP given Naloxone kits amid spreading fentanyl crisis

RCMP in Nova Scotia say 25 per cent of members are carrying Naloxone nasal spray kits in an effort to get ahead of a potential rise of the deadly opiate drug, fentanyl, which is rapidly spreading across the country.

READ MORE: Fentanyl 101: The facts and dangers

A supply of Naloxone, which is nasally administered, is being given to members across Nova Scotia in stages, Cpl. Jennifer Clarke told Global News Thursday.

“The members that are most likely to come into contact with fentanyl have been issued these kits first, and then we’ll follow with the rest of the members who may encounter fentanyl in the course of their duties,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The members that are most likely to come into contact with fentanyl have been issued these kits first, and then we'll follow with the rest of the members who may encounter fentanyl in the course of their duties," she said.

Clarke said all members of the Nova Scotia RCMP will be trained to use the Naloxone kits on a priority basis, based on those who are most likely to come into contact with the drug.

Once administered, Naloxone temporarily blocks the effects opiates have on the body, potentially saving the victim from dying of an overdose.

READ MORE: Naloxone kits, used to reverse opiate overdoses, hit streets of Halifax, Cape Breton

These kits are part of a Canada-wide roll out of Naloxone nasal spray, which is just as effective as a Naloxone injection, but easier to administer.

RCMP said at the Fentanyl Conference in Edmonton Thursday that they’ve ordered about 13,800 Nalaxone nasal spray kits that are being distributed across the country, at a cost of $150 each.

READ MORE: Saint John looks to bring fentanyl antidote naloxone to community

Fentanyl-related drug overdoses were responsible for the deaths of 153 people in Alberta in the first half of 2016.

In Western Canada and Ontario, the rise in the opiate has been called a crisis.

 READ MORE: Fentanyl patient ashamed to pick up prescription amid ongoing opioid ‘crisis’