The Drug Overdose Prevention Program legislation passed in 2015 enabled non-medical persons to administer Naloxone to persons they believe are experiencing an opioid overdose. In addition, these personnel are protected from civil liability for administering naloxone. Naloxone is the active ingredient in Narcan Nasal Spray.
The Kankakee County Health Department’s Overdose Education and Narcan Distribution program gives Narcan kits to anyone who may find themselves in a position to save the life of someone at risk of an opioid overdose.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is the active ingredient in Narcan Nasal Spray and is designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist—meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin, fentanyl or prescription opioid pain medications. Due to fentanyl being mixed with many other illicit drugs such as cocaine and meth, the guidance is to give Narcan even if you are not sure what someone has taken.
What do you receive during overdose prevention training?
Participants will receive:
- An overview of the opioid epidemic and an understanding of the process of addiction.
- Instructions on how to use NARCAN ® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray, the lifesaving drug used to reverse opioid overdose.
- FREE NARCAN kit(s) containing
- two-4mg doses of NARCAN®
- one pair of rubber gloves
- CPR on-way shield
- Narcan quick guide
- A resource guide for substance use treatment agencies
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist—meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.
Is Naloxone Safe?
Yes. There is no evidence of significant adverse reactions to Naloxone.
Administering naloxone in cases of opioid overdose can cause withdrawal symptoms when the person is dependent on opioids; this is uncomfortable without being life threatening. The risk that someone overdosing on opioids will have a serious adverse reaction to naloxone is far less than their risk of dying from overdose. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. (National Institute On Drug Abuse)
What do you receive during overdose prevention training?
Participants will receive:
- An overview of the opioid epidemic and an understanding of the process of addiction.
- Instructions on how to use NARCAN ® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray, the life saving drug used to reverse opioid overdose.
- FREE NARCAN kit(s) containing one 4mg dose of NARCAN®, one pair of rubber gloves and a Narcan quick guide.
- Free Substance Use Resource Guides
