Understanding Narcan: A Lifesaving Tool for Opioid Overdoses

How Narcan Works

Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications, can cause life-threatening respiratory depression. Narcan works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids attach to, effectively blocking and reversing their effects¹². This action can quickly restore normal breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose¹.

How to Administer Narcan

Administering Narcan is straightforward and can be done by anyone, even without medical training. Here are the steps to use Narcan nasal spray³:

1. Recognize the Signs of an Overdose: Look for symptoms such as unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, blue lips or fingertips, and pinpoint pupils.
2. Call 911: Before administering Narcan, call emergency services to ensure professional medical help is on the way.
3. Administer the Nasal Spray:
   • Lay the person on their back.
   • Remove the Narcan nasal spray from its packaging.
   • Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
   • Tilt the person’s head back and insert the nozzle into one nostril.
   • Press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
4. Monitor and Support: After administering Narcan, place the person on their side (recovery position) and stay with them until emergency help arrives. If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril³.

Why Narcan Should Be Included in All First Aid Kits

Including Narcan in all first aid kits is crucial for several reasons:

1. Opioid Epidemic: The opioid crisis continues to claim thousands of lives each year. Having Narcan readily available can save lives by providing immediate intervention during an overdose⁴⁵.
2. Ease of Use: Narcan nasal spray is easy to administer, making it accessible for anyone to use in an emergency³.
3. Safety: Narcan is safe and has no significant side effects if administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose⁴. This makes it a low-risk addition to any first aid kit.
4. Rapid Response: Time is critical during an opioid overdose. Having Narcan on hand allows for a quick response, potentially preventing brain damage or death while waiting for emergency services⁵.

In conclusion, Narcan is a vital tool in combating the opioid crisis. Its ability to quickly reverse the effects of an overdose, combined with its ease of use and safety, makes it an essential component of every first aid kit. By including Narcan in first aid kits, we can be better prepared to save lives and provide immediate assistance in the event of an opioid overdose.

Narcan can be obtained in many places. Here is a list of a few in Tucson:

Narcan Community Distribution Sites – Google My Maps