EMTs can now administer, distribute naloxone

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman issued ministerial orders on Dec. 11 allowing more health professionals to prescribe, administer and distribute naloxone. Naloxone is a drug that can be used immediately to reverse fentanyl overdoses. The ministerial orders will expand the scope of practice for registered nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders. Hoffman is following an early recommendation made by the Mental Health Review Committee. Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services and the only non-elected member on the committee, said it was important for First Nations that EMTs and nurse practitioners be able to administer naloxone. EMTs will be able to administer and distribute naloxone now. The ministerial orders will be in place until July 1, 2016, and will be renewed if needed. In the meantime, Alberta will continue to work with the federal government, provinces, territories and other stakeholders to make naloxone available without a prescription. From Jan.1 to Sept. 30, 2015, there were 213 overdose deaths involving the drug in Alberta. Illicit fentanyl is highly toxic, and only a very small amount can be deadly.