Chief Special Constable Tracey McRae presented data to the transit commission last week that showed special constables administered naloxone 48 times in 2022, among more than 600 medical calls throughout the year. Last year was the first time OC Transpo reported how many times constables administered naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The unit's calls can come from the public, bus drivers, other transit staff, emergency call boxes or payphones. Ottawa Public Health reported 94 deaths related to an opioid overdose in the first nine months of 2022. Data from OPH also shows there were 846 emergency department visits last year due to opioid overdose.

Source: CBC News May 16, 2023 14:16 UTC