How to use narcan

Imagine a late night at a gathering where friends are laughing and enjoying themselves when suddenly, one person notices another slumped over in the corner, unresponsive and displaying signs of distress. Panic ensues as they realize the individual may have overdosed on opioids. In the chaos, someone remembers they have Narcan (naloxone) on hand but is unsure how to use it effectively. Time is of the essence, and knowing how to administer Narcan correctly could mean the difference between life and death.

To use Narcan, first, call emergency services to ensure medical help is on the way. Then, if you are using a Narcan intranasal spray, remove the device from its packaging, hold it with your thumb on the bottom and index and middle fingers on the nozzle. Insert the tip of the nozzle into one of the person’s nostrils and press the plunger firmly to deliver the dose. If you have Narcan in an injectable form, you will need to draw it up into a syringe, insert the needle into the muscle of the outer thigh (or the upper arm for a child), and push the plunger to inject. Wait for about 2-3 minutes. If the person does not respond, administer a second dose and continue to monitor their condition until help arrives.

In more detail, it’s essential to recognize that Narcan acts rapidly to reverse an opioid overdose by displacing opioids from their receptors in the brain. There are two main forms of Narcan: intranasal and injectable. For the nasal spray, simply follow the instructions above, ensuring that the person’s head is tilted back slightly. If the injectable form is being used, check the expiration date on the vial and use it only if it is not expired. Additionally, perform rescue breathing if the person is not breathing effectively and ensure that you stay with them until trained medical personnel arrive. Remember, Narcan is a life-saving measure but should be part of a broader approach to addressing substance use issues, which includes seeking further medical attention and support afterward.