Naloxone

Essential Resources for Opioid and Fentanyl Education

Naloxone

Naloxone is a safe and legal medication that can save the life of someone who is overdosing.

A black and white drawn image of a hand holding a pink Narcan Nasal Spray 4mg, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication.

Naloxone quickly reverses an opioid overdose. It is safe and easy to use. Anyone can legally administer it and potentially save a life.

Naloxone will have no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. It is safe to use on pregnant women and children. If you're ever unsure whether someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, administer naloxone!

Harm Reduction

How to recognize an opioid overdose

A person experiencing an opioid overdose may exhibit the following signs or symptoms:

Clammy, Pale Skin

Blue Lips or Skin

Pinpoint Pupils

White drawn image of slow, irregular, or non-breathing lungs on black background.

Slow Heart Beat

Slow, Irregular, or Stopped Breathing

Unresponsive to Voice or Touch

How do you respond to overdose using Naloxone?

Step 1: Shake & Shout

White stick figure unresponsive from Naloxone overdose on black background step 1: the shake and shout. A white cartoon fist is shown over the chest area with two arrows on either side pointing toward it, showcasing the shake and shout technique for this emergency.

Try to wake the person up. If there is no response, grind your knuckles on the center of the person's chest for 10-15 seconds.

Step 2: Call 911

The Third Party Naloxone Law allows for a person other than a healthcare provider acting in good faith to administer Naloxone to a person who is believed to be suffering from an opiate-related overdose. You must stay with the person until help arrives. The law protects you from getting in trouble.

Step 3: Give Naloxone

Step 4: Prepare to Give a Second Dose

Watch the video below for step by step instructions on how to administer Narcan/Naloxone.

If the person does not wake in 3 minutes, give a second dose of Naloxone.

If the person starts to breathe normally, turn them on their side to prevent choking.

Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Step 5: Stay with the Person

Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes. You must stay with the person until emergency services arrive. There is a chance that a person can “re-overdose” after the Naloxone wears off. Cooperate with EMS and law enforcement.