A Life Saved: Why Naloxone Training Matters

A northern health director recently shared a frightening incident that occurred in one of the KIM supported communities. Out of respect for the youth involved, we share this story without specific details but with the full support of leadership, who believe this is a story worth telling.

Just a month earlier, the KIM Harm Reduction team had visited the community to provide naloxone administration training to the high school staff, at the request of the proactive health director. Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, buying time until emergency help arrives.

At the time, there was no immediate threat. Still, the health director said, “It is just a matter of time before there is an overdose at the school.”

That decision made all the difference.

On a Friday, a Grade 8 student collapsed at school and became unresponsive, the colour in his face faded, and it became a life-or-death situation. The student claimed afterwards that he had only smoked weed, which highlights the growing concerns around street drugs being unknowingly laced with opioids

Thanks to the training they received, a school staff member recognized the signs of an overdose and acted quickly. They administered Naloxone, not once, but twice, to bring the student back.  Once he was revived, he was immediately transported to the local Nursing Station.  Because they were prepared, that student is alive today.

The KIM team continues to provide harm reduction training during community visits and advocates for a broader understanding of what harm reduction really means. It’s not about enabling substance use; it’s about preventing deaths, restoring balance, and responding to real-life crises with compassion and preparedness without judgment.

KIM is exploring how students and other community members can participate in future naloxone training opportunities. Increasing access is key as harm reduction education continues to expand and save lives in Northern Manitoba. The incident is a powerful reminder of how vital harm reduction can be, especially in places where these conversations are still new or even controversial. Naloxone training provides community members with the tools they need to act, and in this case, it saved a young life.

Want to Learn More or Get Trained?

If you live or work in a rural or KIM-supported First Nation and would like more information on harm reduction training and/or Naloxone training to your area, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

If you reside outside KIM’s network, contact the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network to access resources, support, and training opportunities.

Naloxone saves lives, and you could be the one who makes the difference.