Description

First Aid for Opioid Poisoning

Learn how to recognize and respond confidently to a suspected opioid poisoning emergency with this self-paced Canadian Red Cross online course.

In approximately one hour, you will learn how opioids affect the body, how to identify the signs of opioid poisoning, and how to administer both intranasal and intramuscular naloxone. The course also introduces CPR, emergency response procedures, stigma reduction, and self-care following a stressful emergency.

Complete the course online at your own pace and receive a Canadian Red Cross certificate of completion.

Description

Digital Course Information

Your Canadian Red Cross online course access information will be emailed to you within one business day after your purchase has been completed.

Online access will be issued through the Canadian Red Cross. You will also receive additional information from First Aid 4U regarding how to access and complete your training.

Due to the nature of digital products, online courses are non-refundable once the purchase has been completed.

Participant Information

We require the participant’s full first and last name and a unique email address for each course purchased.

When purchasing more than one course, you will be contacted by email to collect the additional participant information.

Course Overview

The Canadian Red Cross First Aid for Opioid Poisoning course helps participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning emergency.

Participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid poisoning, understand how opioids and naloxone affect the body, and administer naloxone using both nasal spray and injectable formats.

The course also explores the effects of stigma, introduces CPR and emergency response procedures, and provides guidance for supporting your own well-being after a stressful emergency.

Course Information

Delivery: Self-paced online learning
Duration: Approximately one hour
Minimum age: 16 years
Prerequisites: None
Pass mark: 70% on each module knowledge check
Certification: Canadian Red Cross certificate of completion

Participants can review the course material and repeat the module knowledge checks as many times as necessary to successfully complete the course.

What You Will Learn

• • • How to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid poisoning
    • How opioids affect the body
    • What naloxone is and how it temporarily reverses opioid poisoning
    • How to access naloxone
    • How to administer intranasal naloxone using a nasal spray
    • How to prepare and administer intramuscular naloxone
    • How to respond using the Check, Call, Care emergency response steps
    • An introduction to CPR for an unresponsive person who is not breathing
    • How stigma can prevent people from seeking or receiving help
    • How person-first language promotes respect and dignity
    • How to monitor the person while waiting for emergency medical services
    • How to care for your own well-being after a stressful emergency

Course Modules

Module 1: The Opioid Crisis in Canada

Explore the factors contributing to opioid-related poisonings in Canada and the importance of accessible harm-reduction resources and community support.

Module 2: Reducing Stigma

Learn how stigma can create barriers to receiving help and how respectful, person-first language can support better outcomes.

Module 3: Understanding Opioid Poisoning Emergencies

Learn what opioids are, how they affect the body, the signs of opioid poisoning, and strategies that may help prevent an emergency.

Module 4: Accessing and Administering Naloxone

Understand how naloxone works, where it can be obtained, and how to prepare and administer both intranasal and intramuscular naloxone.

Module 5: Introduction to CPR

Learn the role of CPR when a person experiencing suspected opioid poisoning is unresponsive and not breathing.

Please note that this module provides an introduction to CPR and does not provide a separate First Aid or CPR certification.

Module 6: Qualities of a Helper

Discover how anyone can contribute during an emergency and identify the personal qualities and abilities that can help you provide support.

Module 7: Responding to an Opioid Poisoning Emergency

Apply the Check, Call, Care approach and learn how to combine CPR, naloxone administration, scene awareness, and ongoing monitoring while waiting for emergency services.

Module 8: Introduction to Self-Care

Learn how stressful emergencies can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being and explore strategies for maintaining resilience.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is suitable for anyone aged 16 or older who wants to be better prepared to respond to an opioid poisoning emergency, including:

• • • Community members
    • Parents and family members
    • Educators and school staff
    • Social-service and community-support workers
    • Hospitality and service-industry employees
    • Workplace health and safety teams
    • Shelter and outreach workers
    • Individuals who may encounter an opioid poisoning emergency
    • Anyone interested in learning how to administer naloxone

Certification

After successfully completing all course modules and knowledge checks, participants will receive a Canadian Red Cross certificate of completion for First Aid for Opioid Poisoning.

Enroll today and gain the knowledge and confidence to recognize an opioid poisoning emergency, administer naloxone, and provide meaningful assistance while emergency medical services are on the way.