Inspiration
Every second counts during an overdose. Two weeks ago at Union Station, my friend and I saw a man collapse while his companion frantically searched for help. My friend always carries a naloxone kit, and that day, it likely saved a life. Seeing how timing and access meant the difference between life and death opened our eyes. As the opioid crisis worsens across Canada, we set out to build a solution that keeps naloxone within reach, because in an overdose every second truly matters.
What it does
Our app clip helps people respond to opioid overdoses quickly by showing the nearest naloxone kits and providing step-by-step instructions on how to use them. With just a simple QR scan, users can instantly access emergency helplines, overdose response guides, and local support resources—no downloads or sign-ins required. Built using Reactiv ClipKit, it prioritizes speed, privacy, and accessibility for real-life emergencies.
How we built it
We built our the App Clip using Reactiv, which allowed us to create an App Clip that launches instantly with just a QR/NFC. It leverages Swift and made it possible to provide emergency information without requiring users to download a full app, ensuring both speed and privacy. The design focuses on immediacy and accessibility, making lifesaving information available within seconds. We built the mobile iOS app using TypeScript, React, and Expo Go for rapid development and cross-platform testing. We connected both to Ontario’s naloxone kit database to display nearby locations, integrated helplines, and designed overdose response guides. This architecture ensures speed, privacy, and accessibility, making lifesaving information available within seconds.
Challenges we ran into
One challenge we faced was testing our App Clip on iOS since some of us only had Windows, so not everyone could run the project. Slow Wi-Fi also made setup and updates difficult. Furthermore, none of us had worked with Swift or built an app before, so we had to learn as we went.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We’re proud of ourselves for building our first ever app and seeing our idea come to life. We created a project that has real-world potential to make a difference in the opioid crisis. Along the way, we also met at team formation and built great friendships that made the experience even more rewarding.
What we learned
We learned a lot throughout this project. Since some of us use Windows and others use macOS, we discovered the challenges of developing and testing iOS-based apps across different systems. We also learned what an App Clip is and built one from scratch while creating our very first app. And outside of coding, we found out that DoorDash has significantly better deals than Uber Eats!
What's next for NaloxoneNow
We plan to scale NaloxoneNow for real-world use by partnering with transit systems like GRT and placing NFC chips or QR codes in areas with higher overdose risks. In the future, we aim to connect people who carry naloxone kits with those who need immediate help, allowing kit carriers to be notified of nearby overdose emergencies and provide assistance even faster.
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