If a Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) student comes across a person who has overdosed on opioids, they will have already had hands-on experience of how to deliver a powerful drug that can save that person’s life.

In a special training session in early November, students in the TFSON participated in a hands-on training session at Westmount Pharmacy, learning more about opioid overdoses and then use Naloxone kits to use in an injection simulator.

“This type of hands-on training helps to lessen the fear of knowing what to do if a student does happen across an overdose,” says RN Kim English, a TFSON instructor.

Naloxone, sold under brand names such as Narcan, is a medication that temporarily blocks the effects of opioids and can restore breathing.

Hands-on training like this is critical for building a nurse’s clinical skill and judgment, says RPN Jessica Hembrey, a TFSON student who is upgrading her skills to open up more career opportunities.

“If you do something hands on, you have gone through the physical motions and can recall the material you learned better,” Ms. Hembrey says. “We do hands-on skills in lab, we practice CPR on mannequins and role play First Aid scenarios — I feel that this is just a natural progression.”

During the special training, the pharmacist will also discuss what types of drugs which raise concerns in Peterborough, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, and what other measures may be taken including what to do if the first dose doesn’t work, as has recently been the case.

Students will each leave with their own Naloxone kit.

Learn more about the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing.