EMERGENCY RESPONSE
For Opioid Overdose
Why intramuscular naloxone?
• Provides the lowest dose needed to reverse an OD
• Least severe withdrawal symptoms
• Ability to titrate dose
• Higher bioavailability (nasal is approx. 50% bioavailable compared with IM)
• Preparing injection creates a natural pause between dosing, decreases the chance of excessive naloxone administration
• Available through low-barrier, harm reductioninformed and ethical distribution source
• Learn more at remedyallianceftp.org
Injectable naloxone has been used to reverse opioid overdoses by the general public since 1996.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ATTEMPT TO WAKE THE PERSON
• If you suspect that someone has overdosed, shake them and shout.
• If no response, grind your knuckles into their breast bone for 5 to 10 seconds
• Victims of an opioid overdose show signs of respiratory depression. This means they will show signs of oxygen deprivation such as their lips or nail beds being blue or gray.
CALL 911
• Report that the person is not responsive. You do not need to report that someone is experiencing an overdose.
• You can check your state's Good Samaritan Policy at nextdistro.org/policies
ADMINISTER INJECTION NALOXONE
• Draw the entire contents of the vial into the syringe.
• Inject straight into the muscle. Do not inject at an angle. Thighs or at the arm near shoulder are best.
• Repeat after 2 to 3 minutes if not yet breathing.
PERFORM RESCUE BREATHING
• Perform rescue breathing. Getting oxygen to the brain is extremely important.
• Anoxic Brain Injury can occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen.
DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE
• Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes.
• When they wake, explain what happened.
• If you must leave, turn them on their side to prevent choking.
CONSIDER DRUG CONTAMINANTS
• The unsafe drug supply is a direct result of drug prohibition and laws that criminalize people who use drugs.
• Tranquilizers (xylazine, "tranq") cut into drugs may cause a lack of responsiveness. Because these contaminants are not opioids, naloxone will not work. Observe their breathing. If someone is breathing but not responsive, they could be affected by xylazines and more naloxone is not needed. Learn more at nextdistro.org/xylazine
If you used your naloxone kit: nextdistro.org/reverse
Refresh your training anytime at: nextdistro.org/overdose
Harm Reduction Library: nextdistro.org/resources
Social Support Guide: nextdistro.org/socialsupport
