1. How to use Naloxone to save a life.
OVERDOSE PREVENTION
How to use Naloxone to save a life.
OOPS | Oasis Overdose Prevention Service

2. What is an opioid overdose?
Overdose (OD) = toxic amount of one or more drugs
Body stops working properly (breathing, heart beat, temperature control)
If nothing is done, the person can die
Opioids = morphine, methadone, fentanyl, codeine, heroin, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), buprenorphine, hydrocodone, pentazocine (Talwin)

3. Overdose risk factors DECREASED TOLERANCE MIXING DRUGS USING ALONE
If you have not used in a few days…
- Use less than usual
- Do tester dose
- Change route (from IV to smoking or oral)
MIXING DRUGS
Danger = mixing with alcohol and benzos
- Use one drug at a time
- Use less of each drug if you’re mixing
USING ALONE
If you overdose, no one can help you.
- Use safely with someone
- Know your limit
- Make sure help can get to you

4. Overdose risk factors DRUG QUALITY & POTENCY HEALTH STATUS ROUTE
Drugs can have added ingredients
- Test a small dose first
- Know your dealer
- Watch out for community drug alerts
HEALTH STATUS
Some conditions can put you at higher risk
(such as Hep C)
- Sleep, eat and drink lots of fluids
- Use less if you are sick
- Talk to your doctor or nurse regularly
Ex of Health conditions = Head trauma, liver disease, kidney, sleep deprivation, dehydration, malnourishment
ROUTE

5. Signs of opioid overdose
Can’t be woken up
Slow breathing or no breathing
Blue lips and nails X

6. Signs of opioid overdose
Snoring or gurgling sounds
Skin feels cold
Very small pupils (pinpoint/pinned)
No response to noise or hard rub on chest bone

7. What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose
It is injected into a muscle
It stops the opioids (drugs) from acting in your brain
Helps the person breathe better while help is on the way

8. What is Naloxone? Only works for opioid overdose
Will not work for benzos, alcohol, crack
Naloxone works quickly, usually within 5 minutes
Naloxone will start wearing off 30 min after injection
Person might need more Naloxone

9. What is Naloxone? The drug is still in the body.
Image:  Harm Reduction Coalition / Graphics by Maya Doe-Simkins

10. The Naloxone Kit 2 ampules of Naloxone 3 syringes 1 breathing mask
Gloves
Alcohol swabs
Ampule snapper
Step-by-step instructions
ID card
Image: Luc Cormier, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre

11. In case of an overdose
Shake at the shoulders & Shout their name (show sternal rub)
Call 911 if unresponsive
Naloxone Inject 1 ampule (1ml) of Naloxone into arm or leg muscle

12. In case of an overdose Opening the Naloxone Drawing the Naloxone
Images:

13. In case of an overdose Inject at 90 degree angle
Images:
Inject at 90 degree angle

14. In case of an overdose 4. CPR 30 compressions, 2 breaths with mask
Heart & Stroke Foundation (2010) Frequently asked questions (FAQ): 2010 Guidelines for CPR & ECC.
“Studies have shown that CPR that combines chest compressions and ventilations is the most effective method for treating children and infants, because cardiac arrest in children and infants is typically secondary to conditions that compromise or prevent breathing (hypoxia). A combination of compressions and breaths is also the most effective in the treatment of adult cardiac arrest caused by near-drowning, trauma, drug overdose and other non-cardiac causes.” (p. 3)

15. In case of an overdose
5. Better? If the person is not doing better after 3-5 minutes (not breathing, not waking up), give a second dose of Naloxone and continue CPR until paramedics arrive.

16. Recovery position
If you have to leave the person alone at any time, put them in the recovery position.

17. CALL 9-1-1
It is important to call 9-1-1, even if that’s the only thing you do
The person might need more Naloxone or other treatments
They might have a reaction to the Naloxone (this is very rare)
Tell the paramedics as much as possible

18. Do you feel ready?
If you don’t feel comfortable doing one of the steps, it’s OK
Just call It could save a life.
Stay with the person, stay calm and talk to them
Sign up for a CPR training

19. If you use your kit... You can get a new kit at _______**
Let us know how it went
We can offer you emotional support
** In Ottawa, Naloxone kits can be acquired through the Peer Overdose Prevention Program (POPP) at Ottawa Public Health. The person must self-disclose that they use opioids or have an opioid prescription.
Hours and venues of service
Site Needle & Syringe Program, 179 Clarence Street, Ottawa
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Site mobile van travels to various locations within the City of Ottawa
7 days a week
5 pm to 11:30 pm
(Collect calls accepted)
Venue
Days
Hours
Telephone
Collect calls accepted
Clients of the Oasis Program (Sandy Hill Community Health Centre) can access naloxone kits trough the Oasis Overdose Prevention Service (OOPS) during walk-in hours.