Naloxone injection training to be offered for Saskatoon Public Library workers

The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) will offer its front-line workers training in how to administer naloxone injections to library patrons who may need it.

"We serve many vulnerable populations and we're a public place so just like having an AED (automated external defibrillator) kit on site, we feel we should have a naloxone kit," said Carol Cooley, SPL's CEO and director of libraries.

Managers at all branches in the city have already taken the hour-long training from the Mayfair Medical Clinic.

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The training for staffers, intended to happen this year, will be voluntary, said Cooley.

"The syringe is a safety syringe which is auto-retractable, so there is no fear of fluids for the person administering the injection," she said.

Cooley said she's not aware of any actual opioid overdoses on the grounds of the downtown Frances Morrison Library.

"We do have people and we do call the paramedics when we're unable to rouse people, but we haven't had anybody that we are aware of that has had an overdose," she said.

Naloxone kits are available for purchase at pharmacies and for free from 16 health centres in the province. 

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Troy Davies, a spokesperson for MD Ambulance, says he's not aware of any other building in Saskatoon offering such training.

Workers for the Vancouver Public Library system only recently got the OK to administer naloxone to patrons in that city.