Waterloo Fire Rescue now carries life-saving medication

Waterloo Fire Rescue (WFR) firefighters can now carry and administer life-saving naloxone and epinephrine and will be doing so under the licence and supervision of an experienced medical doctor who works in the emergency care system. 

Mayor Dave Jaworsky applauds this expanded service. “When you call 9-1-1, often Waterloo Fire Rescue is first on the scene. This new training and medication for overdoses and allergic reactions means that treatment can start earlier, potentially saving lives.” 

The medical oversight program enhances the service WFR provides to the community, when responding as part of the tiered emergency response program, in support of Waterloo Region Paramedic Services. 

Under the supervision of a physician, WFR now carries, and will administer naloxone and epinephrine. Naloxone is used to treat patients experiencing an opioid overdose. Epinephrine, in the form of auto-injectors, is used to treat severe life-threatening allergic reactions. In addition, WFR continues to provide semi-automatic defibrillation in an effort to improve the chances of survival for patients in cardiac arrest. 

WFR uses Red Cross Professional Responder certification as a base for firefighters’ education; however, the medical oversight program means WFR now has expanded tools to help address the opioid crisis and severe allergic reactions that occur in our community. 

When first on-scene at a 9-1-1 incident, WFR will provide care to the patient as required and transfer that care to paramedic services once they arrive on scene as the medical authority. As part of the City of Waterloo’s tiered response agreement with Paramedic Services (Police, paramedics and fire response), WFR will also continue to work together with Waterloo Regional Police Services when responding to medical, traumatic and other emergencies that meet tiered response criteria. 

By bringing on emergency physicians, WFR fosters an evidence-based, supportive and accountable patient-centred and high quality medical first response program. 

This level of care ensures the best possible outcome for patients in our community, and supports healthy and resilient neighbourhoods, as outlined in our strategic plan. 

Media contact:

Shelly Reed
Communications consultant
P: 519-747-8515
TTY: 1-866-786-3941
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca