yyaa

Click to edit

asdadsadads

Click to edit

Replacement Naloxone kits are available in the community. Sites can be found at towardtheheart.com or on the VCH website at vch.ca

Naloxone Administration Course

Click to edit

An overdose occurs when someone takes a toxic amount of one or more substances, which cause the body to be unable to maintain or monitor functions necessary for life. These include breathing, heart rate and regulating body temperature. Not everyone who overdoses will die; however there can be long-term medical impacts from overdose (BCCDC). An overdose depends on a number of factors. For example, with an Opiate overdose, breathing is the primary bodily function affected. As the overdose progresses it may affect heart and other vital bodily functions.

1

Nalox-what?

Naloxone, (in Canada) is the injectable form synthetic opioid antagonist used for the reversal of opioid-induced overdoses. Narcan is the name of the nasaly-administrated synthetic opioid antagonist, used for the reversal of opioid-induced overdoses. For the purpose of this course, we will be referring to Naloxone, as Narcan is currently unavailable due to its high cost.

2

Where Can I Get It?

Your site or facility will be set up as as Take Home Naloxone (THN) dispensing site through Toward the Heart, BCCDCs harm-reduction program. Toward the Heart will provide you with THN kits that look like this:

THN kits are then distributed to those at risk of an opiate overdose, or those who may witness an overdose, such as friends and family.

For VCH staff, your manager or employer will decide if your individual role requires carrying a naloxone kit and/or if your team (i.e. for outreach) needs a certain number of Naloxone kits per shift. Your manager will then order VCH-funded Naloxone kits (usually blue) to use, while you are on shift. For more details see the Overdose Emergency Response VCH intranet page http://vch-connect/programs/preventionservices/oer/Pages/default.aspx

3

How Does It Work?

Naloxone temporarily knocks opioids off their receptors, blocking their action for approximately 20-90 minutes. Depending on the amount and type of opioids taken, a person can be at risk for a repeated overdose after Naloxone has worn off.

What are the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose?

Slow or no breathing or gurgling/snoring
Gurgling/snoring
Unable to stay awake
No response to voice, gentle stimulation or pain stimulation
Slow or no pulse
Skin looks pale or grey, blue to lips and/or nails, feels cold
Small pupils or eyes rolled back

How do I do the right thing? If you witness or find someone who is experiencing an overdose, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and follow the SAVE ME steps.

To further educate yourself, go to http://towardtheheart.com/naloxone-course/ to complete the brief online course in Naloxone Administration. NOTE: In some opoid overdoses, drugs such as methadone have a much longer half-life in the body than that of Naloxone, and there is a potential for a secondary overdose. This is why it is important that 911 is called. If you need to leave an unconscious/unresponsive person alone, at any time, it is important to put them in the recovery position (see image). The recovery position helps keep the airway clear from obstruction by the tongue, or vomit. Be aware that the person may experience side effects similar to an opoid withdrawal; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, etc. Click (+) to see the recovery position

I’ve been told I can get a free Naloxone kit from BCCDC.

How do I do the right thing? In order to receive a naloxone kit at no charge, from a BCCDC-approved THN site, a person must have completed the THN Training and be either at risk of an opioid overdose or must be a friend or family member of a person at high risk of an opioid overdose. Regardless of eligibility, for a free kit, everyone is encouraged to learn how to prevent, recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.

Scenario 1
Scenario 2

David has abstained from using stimulants for the past 3 months. Therefore he doesn’t think he’s at risk for an overdose when he decides to smoke crack cocaine. What puts David at increased risk of an overdose? Choose all that apply:

1) a decreased tolerance for drugs due to abstinence or a period of non-use

2) the potential for stimulants to be contaminated by opoids when used by any route

3) David is not at risk for an overdose because he is using stimulants and not opiates

Explanation: people who use illicit drugs other than opioids are at risk for contamination, etc. Also people do not have to be currently using – periods of abstinence place someone at high risk for an overdose because anytime someone takes a break from using a substance, their tolerance goes down and it takes a smaller amount of the same substance to get high.

Your client Susan wants to get a take home Naloxone kit for use at her non-profit workplace.
People who want naloxone at their “non-profit” workplace are not eligible for the individual BCCDC THN kits. They must first get employer approval, and then apply through the BC Facility Overdose Response Box (FORB) program at http://towardtheheart.com/naloxone/forb/

CLIENTS: Clients are those who are at risk of an opioid overdose or who have a friend or family member at risk of an overdose, and who have come for overdose prevention and Naloxone training, and for a THN kit or refill.

Learn and demonstrate knowledge of the six S.A.V.E. M.E. steps to respond to an opioid overdose
When responding to a suspected overdose, always protect yourself by wearing gloves and using the face shield provided in the kit
Watch for needles and other sharps on or around the scene
Assist with improved access to Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), shelters, and community harm-reduction services

TRAINERS: Trainers include those who do 1:1 client/patient training on overdose prevention and Naloxone administration, then distribute THN kits.

Learn and demonstrate knowledge of the six S.A.V.E. M.E. steps to respond to an opioid overdose AND adhere to the additional “Quick and Dirty Tips for Trainers” found here
If the person or client you are training has a higher level of training such as CPR or first aid, they may have assessment and skills to intervene beyond the S.A.V.E. M.E. steps. In such cases, it is important to highlight that RESCUE BREATHS, rather than chest compressions should be used, because those who are untrained in CPR have a risk of doing more harm than good if chest compressions are used. If the overdose is unwitnessed, or if you are unsure if the client has a heartbeat, then you would give chest compressions along with breaths if you have a higher level of training, and are comfortable performing CPR.
Always wear personal protective equipment such as the face mask and gloves to protect you while administering Naloxone
Watch for needles and other sharps on or around the scene