Harm Reduction

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we’re proud to be city builders, committed to working to enhance the resilience of the neighbourhood in which we are located.  

Community Safety and Security provides front-line response to issues and concerns in security and emergency response-related areas on campus. The team:

• delivers 24/7 coverage of the campus;
• responds to emergencies and offer emergency medical assistance;
• provides safety training for students, staff and faculty across the campus;
• operates a Walksafe program for those who need to be accompanied for safety reasons; and
• performs safety patrols on foot and by bike on the campus, which includes 52 buildings.

Advanced medical expertise

In addition to basic CPR training, CSS staff have advanced medical knowledge, including:

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training; and 
• International Trauma Life Support (ILTS) training for both the general population and pediatrics in order to support the Toronto Metropolitan University Early Learning Centre.

This equips security staff  members with skills in prehospital trauma care, commonly offered by paramedics and first responders. They are also trained to bring a trauma-informed approach and equity, diversity and inclusion lens to all that they do.

Supporting harm reduction

We recognize we have a very real role to play in creating awareness of provision of services related to  harm reduction in our neighbourhood. TMU uniform security guards began carrying naloxone in May 2018, and by December 2022, intervention by our security guards has saved 194 lives. Supporting the wellbeing of our surrounding community aligns with the university’s values including wellbeing, mutual respect and wellbeing.