Opioid Overdose Response/Naloxone

Get in the Know with Naloxone!

Did you know…………………..?

  • 55 people nationwide die daily from a drug overdose from prescription or illicit opioids.
  • Washington State saw nearly 2X increase in opioid drug death overdose deaths from 2019-2021.
  • 68% of drug deaths among Washington residents involved an opioid.

What is Naloxone (Narcan)?

Naloxone (often known by the brand name NARCAN) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and is available as a prescription and over-the-counter product. Opioids are prescription and illegal narcotics that relieve pain. Some examples are Heroin, Oxycodone, Morphine, Codeine, Fentanyl, and Hydrocodone.

Use of Naloxone temporarily blocks the receptors in the brain impacted by an opioid, making it possible for a person to breathe. The medical reversal process can take 2-3 minutes and lasts 20 to 90 minutes. Always contact 9-1-1 in any medical emergency, including opioid overdose.

Anyone who uses opioids (even if they are prescribed by a physician) or who has friends or family who do, should have naloxone on hand just in case. Additionally, because fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can now be found in any illicit drug bought on the street or online, it’s a good idea for anyone using any substances to carry naloxone.

If you are trying to help in an overdose, WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan / Overdose Law protects both you and the overdose victim from drug possession charges. Don’t be afraid to call 911 for help!

How do I administer Naloxone?

Here is a WA State Overdose Prevention and Response Training video on when to use and how to administer Narcan/Naloxone opioid antagonist nasal spray.

  1. Check for a Response
  •  Try to wake them up. Shake them and shout their name.
  •  Rub your knuckles hard on the center of their chest.
  •  Hold your ear close to their nose, listen and feel for signs of breathing.
  •  Look at their lips and fingernails — pale, blue, or gray color is a sign of overdose.
  1. Call 911
  •  Tell the operator your exact location.
  •  Say you are with a person who is not breathing. You do not have to say anything about drugs or medicines at the scene.
  •  Tell the operator you are going to give the person naloxone.
  • Follow any instructions you get from the operator.
  1. Give Naloxone
  1. Start Rescue Breathing
  • Someone who has overdosed needs oxygen. Naloxone may take a few minutes to start working. Check again to see if they are breathing.
  • If you can't hear them breathe or their breath sounds shallow, provide rescue breaths.
  • Follow instructions of the 911 operator until help arrives.
  1. Give a Second Dose of Naloxone
  • Wait about 2- 3 minutes for naloxone to take effect.
  • If the person has not responded after 3 minutes, give a second dose.
  1. Post Care for Overdose
  • Stay with the person until help arrives. Remember, the Good Samaritan Law offers protections when you call 911 for an overdose.
  • If the person starts breathing on their own, but they do not wake up, roll them on their side to a recovery position.
  • When the person wakes up, they may have opioid withdrawal symptoms such as chills, nausea, and muscle aches.
  • They may not remember what happened. They may be scared, nervous, or restless. Keep them calm until help arrives.

Overdose Response Instructions

Where does Everett Community College have Naloxone in case of emergencies?

Opioid Antagonist response intranasal medications are located throughout EvCC campus locations, most frequently near the main entrance or common areas with other emergency response equipment. They contain clear instructions for their use by anyone responding to an emergency. Free narcan and fentanyl test strips are also available at the student vending machine at Parks Student Life.

Where can I get my own Naloxone?

In Washington State, you can order FREE naloxone kits and have it mailed directly at no cost through The People Harm Reduction Alliance. The mail order program is meant for people who can not easily go to a community organization or a pharmacy to get a kit.

Other available options:

Where can I go if I or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse/chemical dependency?

Students: Everett Community College students may contact EVCC Counseling & Student Success (CSS) at 425-388-9263. EvCC counselors offer short-term personal counseling. Counselors can assist you with referral to off campus resources including community services and mental health agencies.  Counseling appointments are available by phone, video, and in-person. Please visit our website for information on how to schedule an appointment.

Employees: Everett Community College employees may receive professional, confidential, and no-cost crisis counseling from the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additional information is available on their website or by phone at 360-753-3260.