The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is improving access to naloxone, a rapid-response drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Kits containing naloxone nasal spray are now available at collector booths and hubs in TTC stations. In the event of an opioid overdose emergency, designated trained TTC employees may administer naloxone when safe to do so to temporarily reverse the effects.
“If administered in time, naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and save a person’s life,” said Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow. “An overdose can occur anywhere, so it’s important to know that help is immediately available if you think you're witnessing an opioid overdose in a TTC station. I thank the TTC for making naloxone available in all subway stations.”
"I'm pleased the TTC has made naloxone available and for the comprehensive approach to training designated staff on recognizing the signs of overdose and the safe administration of naloxone to a person in need,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. "Health and safety is one of the TTC's priorities. This announcement is a step towards not only increasing safety, but also has the potential to save lives."
Designated TTC employees are certified in first aid and have completed required naloxone training to administer naloxone. Once all training is complete, approximately 730 TTC employees will be trained on opioid overdose prevention, recognition and response, including more than 100 Special Constables, who carry naloxone with them.
“If a customer witnesses someone who may be experiencing an opioid overdose, they should alert TTC station staff, who will immediately call for emergency services,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “Designated TTC staff will then initiate the emergency response using naloxone. Staff may also provide the naloxone to a bystander who volunteers to administer it.”
The availability of naloxone adds to ongoing measures by the TTC and the city of Toronto to ensure people receive the health and social supports they need after crisis de-escalation and emergency response are complete.
The measures include:
- LOFT and M-DOT support services one-year pilot providing mental health crisis supports.
- 20 Streets to Homes workers to help individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness access immediate supports like water, warm clothing and referrals to indoor space.
- 20 Community Safety Ambassadors bolstering the work of Streets to Homes teams in addressing immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
- 50 security guards trained in mental health first aid, overdose prevention and nonviolent intervention to assist people in crisis.
- De-escalation training for all TTC Chief and Mobile supervisors and scheduling adjustments to ensure these specialized skills are where they are needed most.
