Toronto police union says its officers want to carry naloxone to prevent drug deaths

The union representing Toronto's police officers says its members want tocarry naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose long enough to get someone to hospital.

• At least 4 overdose deaths since Thursday linked to possible fentanyl contamination: Toronto police

The Toronto Police Service had previously said it had no plans to equip front-line staff with the medication, even as firefighters have begun to receive both the equipment and training.

But in the wake of four fatal overdoses and at least 16 others who required emergency care between July 27 and 30, the city saysit would like the force to reconsider. The recommendation came out Thursday following an emergency meeting about interim drug safety measures until Toronto'sthree supervised injection sites open this fall.

Police can be first on the scene

The head of the Toronto Police Association saysofficers are often the first to arrive at a 911 call and that having a naloxone kit could be a lifesaving measure.

Mike McCormack saysthere were past concerns about liability, because the drug had to be injected. Now that it's available as a nasal spray, McCormack saysthose worries are unfounded.

Carrying naloxone could also protect officers who inadvertently ingest drugs, he said. There have been several cases in the U.S. where first responders have overdosed after touchingcarfentanil, a powerful elephanttranquilizerthat can be deadly even if absorbed throughthe skin.

"Our officers are coming into contact with more and more substances," McCormacksaid. "So, for officer safety, it's a good idea as well."

It's unclear if police brass agree.

Saunders to discuss naloxoneproposal with Tory

Chief Mark Saunders had been invited to the meeting called by Mayor John Tory for Thursday, but he couldn't attend due toanother commitment, police spokesperson Mark Pugashtold CBC Toronto.

Pugash would not answer questions about whether the administration might reconsider its earlier stance following the request from the drug safety panel.

Instead, he said only that the chief and Tory would meet to discuss the possibility. Pugash would not say when that meeting might take place.

Other police forces in the country, however, began carrying naloxone following the risein drug deaths. In fact, all front-line Ontario Provincial Police officers were given the kits in June.