Chaffee County Public Health is actively working within the community to prevent opioid overdose deaths by expanding access to and use of naloxone/Narcan – a non-addictive, life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time.

Any community member can get a free Narcan kit from CCPH by watching the video below then taking a short, three-question quiz.  Present your certificate to CCPH during office hours and you will receive Narcan.

Watch this video

MANUFACTURER'S TRAINING VIDEO

Take this QUIZ

Narcan FAQ

1. What is naloxone/narcan?

Naloxone (narcan)  is a life-saving medication that reverses an opioid overdose while having little to no effect on an individual if opioids are not present in their system. Naloxone works by blocking the opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose.

2. How can I obtain  it and learn how to use it? 

There are a few different naloxone products. The two most common are given intranasally. Nasal Narcan has no assembly. You insert the nozzle into the nostril and push the plunger to administer half of the dose in each nostril. Intranasal with atomizer product is a pre-filled syringe that needs to be assembled to use intranasally.

3. Does narcan expire? 

It won’t hurt someone to use expired naloxone, but the longer naloxone sits, the less effective it will be. This means more doses of naloxone might be needed to reverse the effects of the opioid overdose.

4. Do I use both the sprays that come in a box?

Start with one spray and wait 2-3 minutes to see if the person revives (starts breathing again). 911 should be called before using narcan, and by the time you have administered the first dose, paramedics should be close or already on the scene. If you have waited 2-3 minutes and paramedics have not arrived, and the person is still not breathing, administer the second dose in the box. 

5. How will someone react once they are given narcan? 

The overdosing individual will wake up from a state similar to deep-sleep, so you can expect them to be groggy, surprised and even upset at just what happened to them. They may be in withdrawal, so they may experience symptoms related to that-nausea, even vomiting, sweating, chills, shaking and agitation are common. 

Speak simply, reassure them that paramedics are arriving soon, and let them know you’ve given them narcan because they overdosed. Stay calm and do not leave the person who overdosed. Bystanders should be kept at a distance, or informed to look out for paramedics and direct them to you. 

6. How long will narcan last?

Narcan lasts 30-90 minutes. Paramedics should have arrived by then, but if not, a second dose can be given. The person experiencing an overdose should not be left alone, even if they state they feel ok, as they could overdose again. 

7. Can a person get high from narcan spray?

No, narcan will not cause someone to get high. In fact, it will put people in opioid withdrawal as that is how the medication works in your body. 

8. Does narcan encourage people who use substances to take more drugs? 

Research has shown that naloxone does not lead to more drug use or riskier drug use.  Naloxone also causes acute opioid withdrawal symptoms, which is an effective abuse deterrent. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449215/

9. How should I store narcan? 

Store NARCAN® Nasal Spray in the blister and cartons provided. Store below 77°F (25°C). Excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C). Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C).

10. What if a person is not overdosing and I give them narcan? 

Narcan only works on opioid overdoses. It will have no effect if the person is not experiencing an opioid overdose,  for example a heart attack, stroke, seizure, or overdose caused by barbiturates or methamphetamines. Call 911 immediately for any serious medical crises, including overdoses, as medical professionals will need to determine the cause of the medical emergency. 

11. What is rescue breathing? 

If you feel comfortable, and/or are trained, you may also give rescue breaths. If the individual is not breathing after you administer narcan, pinch the nose, tilt the head back and give mouth-to-mouth breaths every five seconds. You may contact the American Red Cross, Public Health, or your local fire station to learn CPR or renew your certification.

12. Do I still need to call 911 if narcan revives the person overdosing? 

Yes! 911 should be called first. If not, call 911 immediately, and let them know that “someone is not responsive, and not breathing”. The person experiencing an overdose may overdose again, and it is critical that medical professionals supervise them. 

13. Am I protected if I call 911? 

The Good Samaritan Law (C.R.S. § 18-1-711) protects you from arrest, charge, and prosecution for being under the influence or possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia if you make a good faith attempt to obtain medical care for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose. This immunity also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug overdose event.  For this protection to apply, you cannot obstruct medical or law enforcement workers.  This law does not protect you if you are on parole, selling drugs, or forcing people to take drugs against their will.

14. Am I protected if I use narcan and I’m not a medical professional? 

Yes. The Third Party Naloxone law (C.R.S. §18-1-712) allows for a person other than a healthcare provider or health care facility who acts in good faith to administer an opiate antagonist to another person whom the person believes to be suffering an opiate-related drug overdose. The individual who administers naloxone shall be immune from criminal prosecution for such an act.

15. Is there a refresher course I can take if I forget how to use narcan? 

Yes, contact Chaffee County Public Health at 719-539-4510 for more information on narcan use, or watch the video below. 

References: 

https://odfreemarin.org/narcan-faq/