When to use naloxone overdose is the number one cause of death in americans under the age of 50. if you struggle with opioid use are taking high doses of painkillers or are close to someone who takes opioids like oxycodone hydrocodone oxycontin methadone fentanyl or heroin you should know how to administer naloxone naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an
Opioid overdose it is the antidote to an opioid overdose and can save a life recognizing an overdose anyone using opioids is at risk for overdose an overdose can occur anytime from minutes to hours after use of an opioid mixing opioids with alcohol or other sedating medications greatly increases the chance of overdose learn to recognize the signs and symptoms
Of an opioid overdose they include a person who is unresponsive or overly sleepy abnormal breathing including breathing that is slow erratic gurgling or no breathing at all a face that is clammy or colorless pinpoint pupils blue lips or fingertips or a pulse that is slow or has stopped first try to wake them up say their name loudly shake them if they’re still
Unresponsive you may be dealing with an opioid overdose if you’re with someone else tell them to call 9-1-1 then prepare to administer naloxone naloxone is only effective for opioid overdoses but if you aren’t sure what substances are involved you will not do any harm by giving naloxone and you may save a life here’s how to use injectable naloxone begin by
Laying the person on their back tilting their chin up and making sure that their airway is clear next prepare to assemble the injectable naloxone this consists of three components a syringe and needle a vial of naloxone and an alcohol pad first prepare the syringe and needle remove them both from the bag screw the needle onto the syringe until it’s snug remove
The cap from the needle next prepare the vial of naloxone by removing the cap exposing the rubber stopper advance the needle through the rubber stopper invert the vial to help draw naloxone into the syringe and keep the needle tip toward the top of the vial to minimize the amount of air drawn into the syringe pull back on the plunger to draw in the naloxone
When the syringe is full remove any air by pushing the plunger just until a drop of fluid can be seen at the needle tip the naloxone is ready to inject there are two places to inject naloxone the first is the deltoid muscle of the upper arm and the second is the quadricep or thigh muscle if you have time clean the skin with an alcohol pad but in the case of a
Life-threatening overdose it is okay to skip this step for the deltoid advance the needle from the side of the patient into the center of the muscle for the quadricep or thigh muscle advance the needle from the front directly into the center of the muscle it is okay to push the needle all the way into the muscle and it is okay to inject through clothing once the
Needle is advanced into the muscle press the plunger of the syringe until all the medicine is dispensed remove the needle and place the cap back on it to decrease the risk of an accidental stick after administering naloxone call 9-1-1 right away naloxone is not a replacement for medical care it just helps to keep someone alive while you wait for professional help
Naloxone works in seconds to minutes but if the person does not respond in two to three minutes you should give them a second dose if you have one available once you’ve administered naloxone and called 9-1-1 you can consider providing cpr or rescue breathing if you’re unfamiliar with these skills the 911 should be able to instruct you once an overdose victim is
Breathing roll them onto their side into the recovery position they may be confused or upset and giving naloxone may cause opioid withdrawal stay with the person until emergency personnel arrive overdoses are scary to witness but with naloxone you can help stop them before it’s too late thank you for being willing to save a life naloxone is available without
A doctor’s prescription to anyone who asks for it at pharmacies across colorado naloxone is covered by most private insurance as well as medicaid and medicare if you or someone you know is at risk for opioid overdose get naloxone today you
Transcribed from video
When to Use Naloxone – Injectable By The Antidote