Police officers who administer naloxone in failed attempts to reverse the effects of an overdose will no longer be subjected to investigations by Ontario's police watchdog.
The provincial government announced earlier this week the amendment of a regulation under the Police Services Act that previously required the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to investigate any incident in which a civilian dies after naloxone was administered.
"No one should face unfair repercussions just because they are doing their job and trying to save a life," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Sylvia Jones. "This amendment will enable police officers to carry out their duties without fear of facing a criminal investigation, but more importantly, it will also help save countless lives."
Naloxone is an anti-overdose medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Police chiefs will still be required to notify the SIU in cases in which there was use of force involving a person given naloxone or other emergency first aid who dies or suffers serious injury.
The provincial government said the regulatory change puts police on par with other emergency first responders, such as paramedics or firefighters, who can carry and administer naloxone without being subjected to the same level of oversight
"The Police Association of Ontario has long-wondered why – when all first responders (firefighters, paramedics, police officers, health care professionals) are equipped and trained to administer naloxone to a person experiencing an overdose – police officers are the only profession subjected to an investigation if the recipient of the life-saving treatment still dies from the overdose," said Police Association President Bruce Chapman in a statement.
"We are pleased the provincial government recognizes how integral frontline police personnel are in the fight against this growing opioid crisis. Our members are committed to keeping Ontario’s communities safe and saving lives.”
Amending the regulation was a campaign promise made by Premier Doug Ford.