I was fortunate to be able to attend a training about how to intervene if someone has had an overdose on opioids. I found the information very useful and wanted to share a few highlights with you, as well as pointing out some resources for further information.
First, a few facts. In 2018, over 46,000 drug overdose deaths in the US involved an opioid. Opioids include a variety of natural and synthetic chemicals (some prescribed and some illicit), including opium, morphine, fentanyl, oxymorphone, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and heroin. “Opiates” refers only to the natural opioids, such as opium, morphine, and codeine, which are derived from the poppy plant.
Opioids are central nervous system depressants, so they slow down your breathing, which can lead to death if overdosed. Greater risk for overdose occurs when people mix drugs, get “street drugs” which can have very potent content, and use of injectable drugs.
However, there is a readily available chemical called naloxone (brand name NARCAN) which can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It works by dislodging the opioid molecules from receptors in the brain. Naloxone is safe, has no known side effects and will have no effect on the person if they did not use opiates.
Naloxone can be administered as an injection by first responders or medical personnel but it is also provided as a NARCAN nasal spray that anyone can squirt into someone’s nostril if they are suspected of having an opioid overdose. It will immediately interrupt the overdose, but its effects are temporary so the person who overdoses should still receive prompt medical attention.
If you complete one of the many available trainings in opioid overdose response, you can be given a small supply of the NARCAN nasal spray to keep with you to use in emergencies if you encounter someone who has overdosed. You can also obtain NARCAN through pharmacies without a prescription.
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose to look for:
- Unconscious or unresponsive
- Slow, irregular or no breathing
- Blue lips or nails
- Gurgling or snoring sound
- Pulse is slow, erratic or not detectable
If you see someone that may have had an opioid overdose, call 911, administer rescue breathing (one breath every 5-6 seconds), and give one dose of the NARCAN nasal spray if it is available. If someone is trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), this can be provided if there is no pulse. Continue the rescue breathing or CPR as needed until first responders arrive. A second dose of NARCAN can be administered after a few minutes if the person does not respond to the first dose.
If the person does awaken in response to the NARCAN, they may feel temporary withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, and trembling. Since the effects of the NARCAN are temporary, they should still be evaluated immediately by medical personnel.
While I have briefly outlined these steps for responding to an opioid overdose, it’s critically important to first receive formal training. You can search online for “NARCAN training” or “opioid overdose training” to find an appropriate training course in your area. Many courses are offered online at no cost and some are also provided in person.
I hope this information is helpful and that you will take the time to seek out further training in how to respond to a possible opioid overdose. You can easily learn the steps needed to save a life.
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