NARCAN Information

 

PLU recognizes that licit and illicit drug use is a part of our world and chooses to embrace a harm reduction approach instead of minimizing, condemning, or stigmatizing drug use. Harm reduction is a spectrum of practical prevention strategies that reduce the likelihood or seriousness of alcohol or other drug-related harm, and can range from abstinence to managed use. Not all PLU students use drugs, but for those who do, we just want you to be safe.

Opioid overdose can happen fast – in seconds. Naloxone is a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, even while it’s happening. NARCAN is a brand-name medication of a single dose of Naloxone, set up as a nasal spray, intended to help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

NARCAN was designed for people with no medical training. It is easy to use, safe to use even if opioids are not present (if you are unsure of an opioid overdose specifically is happening), works nearly instantly to revive someone during an overdose, and is available over the counter at most pharmacies.

 

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

Opioid overdose can happen quickly, if any of these signs is present call 911 immediately and administer NARCAN

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
  • Unusual and heavy sleepiness or unresponsiveness
  • Slow, shallow, or absent breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sound
  • Limp body
  • Skin feels clammy and cold
  • Pale, blue, or grey, fingernails, lips, or fingertips

 

How to Give NARCAN

Step 1: Check for signs of opioid overdose. Gently shake the person and yell “Wake up!”. If the person does not wake and signs of opioid overdose are present, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Give NARCAN. Hold the nasal spray device with your thumb on the button of the plunger and insert the nozzle into either nostril. Press the plunger firmly to give the NARCAN dose. Each nasal spray device is one dose.

Step 3: Call 911 immediately after giving NARCAN.

Step 4: Watch and give if needed. Wait 2-3 minutes after the first dose to see if the person wakes up. If the person does not wake up, continue to give doses every 2-3 minutes until they do. It is safe to keep giving doses.

Step 5: Stay with the person until an ambulance arrives, even if the person wakes up. Give another dose if the person becomes very sleepy again and can’t stay awake.

 

Important Tips:

  • For use in either nostril only
  • Do not test nasal spray device before use
  • 1 nasal spray device contains one dose of medicine
  • Each device does one spray only

How-To Videos

Watch these NARCAN manufacturer videos to learn how to give NARCAN during an overdose.

Resources

 

Good Samaritan Protection

In Washington State, anyone trying to help in good faith during a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liabilities by RCW 4.24.300. WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law RCW 69.50.315 gives additional, specific protections against drug possession charges:

  • If you seek medical assistance in a drug-related overdose, you cannot be prosecuted for drug possession.
  • The overdose victim is also protected from drug possession charges.
  • Anyone in WA State who might have or witness an opioid overdose is allowed to carry and administer naloxone. (RCW 69.41.095)

In Washington state, anyone who might have or witness an overdose can legally possess and administer naloxone (or NARCAN). Learn more about Good Samaritan protection.