Narcan/Naloxone Procedures

Goal - why is this important to us? 

Dawn Farm cares about their clients and transitional housing residents. While we know that recovery is possible for any addict and that recovering addicts don’t die, we also know that everyone’s not going to recover today. Overdoses happen and If caught in time Overdoses are reversible. We want to be prepared.

Ingredients - what do I need to get started?

A phone to dial 911 and a Narcan kit that includes:

• 2 sets of latex free gloves

• 2 alcohol-free swabs

• 1 nasal spray pack (2 spray bottles)

• 1 CPR face shield 

Timeframe - about how long will this take?

There is no time estimate for this procedure, but you should wait 3 minutes (use timer)  before giving a second dose of Naloxone. Giving a second or third dose will not harm the person.

Contacts - who do I need to let know?

Immediately- 911 (before giving Narcan so you don’t forget!)

After EMS arrives:

If in housing, contact Housing Coordinator.

All other programs, contact your specific coordinator.

*If your coordinator is unavailable, please contact the Clinical Director 913-620-7765

Also complete an incident report

Steps - what do I do?

First, you need to put on the provided gloves.

Next, you  need to diagnose that the person is actually having an overdose.  If their lips are blue, they aren’t breathing, or they aren’t responsive to pain (rubbing the sternum or under bridge of nose), then chances are that this client is having an overdose.

Then, call 911! Put the phone on speaker, so you can place it on the floor and have both hands free.

Make sure the person is on their back.

Next, do rescue breathing.

Rescue Breathing (use breathing kit)

• • Tilt head back to open the airway

  • Open the mask bag, push it open, and put the valve in.

  • Place the mask over their face and make sure it is tight.

  • Give two rescue breaths (one every 5 seconds). . Don’t empty your lungs! Breath out for about 1 second and their chest should rise one inch.

  • After giving the first 2 rescue breaths, get ready to give Narcan.

Next, Administer a dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray

• • Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the box.

  • Peel back the tab with the circle to open the NARCAN Nasal Spray.

  • Gently Hold the NARCAN Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle. Don’t do a test spray  or you’ll lose the proper dose.

Gently Insert the tip of the nozzle into either nostril.

• • Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the top of the nozzle into the nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.

Press the plunger firmly-to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose.

After giving the NARCAN Nasal Spray, continue rescue breathing  for 3 minutes (10-12 breaths a minute; 5 seconds between each).

Place the person in the Recovery Position-gently roll them to their side and make sure the top leg is slightly bent and on/towards the floor to prevent person from completely rolling over. Their hands should be supporting their head.

Watch the person closely. If there is no response/movement (breathing, but unconscious is still considered no response) after 3 minutes, get a new nasal spray and repeat the steps above. Repeat every 3 minutes( if there is no response ) until EMS arrive. You may need to use all doses of Narcan.

Follow-up - what loose ends do I need to wrap up?

1. Disposal. Make sure all nasal sprays and used items (gloves, etc.) are disposed of.

• • If on site, dispose of the kit in the biohazard bin.

  • If in housing, deliver to the most convenient site for disposal in their bio-hazard bin.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Complete an Incident Report within 24 hours of the event. Links can be found on the Intranet’s homepage.  You can expect that there will be a meeting in the next couple of days to discuss the details of the event (Sentinel Event Meeting).

• • Let us know in the report that you disposed of the kit(s) properly and if you need 1 or 2 kits to be replaced.

4. Take care of yourself! :) If you’d like someone to process this experience with or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Coordinator or any of the Administrative staff. We care about you!

Other Important Information:

You may end up needing to use all provided doses of Narcan before EMS arrive. Extra doses will not the hurt the client and may be essential to help save their life.

Once someone finally wakes up, they may be combative and want to leave the premises. If this happens, let the person know that the spray will wear off and they will overdose again if they don’t receive the medical care they need.  In addition, let them know that going to the ER is a requirement for them getting into Spera soon after.

If client attempts to leave, do not use any form of restraint. Once EMS arrives, point them in the direction the person has fled.

Feel free to review the Narcan/Naloxone procedures at any time by viewing these two videos:

1) Short video introducing you to the face mask (26 seconds)

2) Video demonstrating procedures, Narcan education, & rescue breathing (12 min. 15 seconds)