Police officers across Manitoba will be outfitted with naloxone kits the province announced today.

“As fentanyl becomes more commonplace in Winnipeg and throughout the province, we need to help ensure the appropriate resources are in place to protect officers and the public,” said Justice Minister Heather Stefanson.  “This is an important investment which will increase the number of naloxone kits in the hands of people who are often first on the scene and need to be ready to respond in any kind of emergency.”

$30,000 from the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund is being spent by the province to acquire the naloxone kits to outfit front-line police officers.

1300 kits will be given to the Winnipeg Police Service with 200 more being given to Dakota Ojibway Police Service and Brandon Police Service. Officers from all services will be trained to use the naloxone kits if they encounter anyone who is experiencing an opioid overdose including if another officer is exposed while at work.

Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth said, “With the purchase of naloxone kits for Winnipeg police members, we will ensure that, in the event of an accidental exposure to fentanyl or other potent opioid, a safe reversal medicine is immediately available.” 

https://www.facebook.com/wpgpoliceofficial/videos/1100229013429687/

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid narcotic, linked to an increasing number of overdoses and deaths over the last several years.  

-News4 Staff-