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Naloxone (NARCAN) Info Guide

What is Narcan and why would you use it?

Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to temporarily and rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. Narcan is a brand name for Naloxone. It has no other purpose and will  not  harm someone who is  not  having an opioid overdose (so when in doubt, use it!).

Naloxone can be used to reverse overdoses caused by opioids like:

  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone (ie OxyContin®)
  • Hydrocodone (ie Vicodin®)
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Heroin

What are the signs of opioid overdose? 

  • Breathing will be slow or absent
  • Person is not moving or is limp
  • Lips and nails are blue for lighter skin tones, or gray/ashen or purple for darker skin tones (Color drops out or changes)
  • Person may be choking
  • You can hear gurgling sounds or snoring
  • Can’t be woken up
  • Pupils are tiny

What do I do if I suspect an opioid overdose?

  • Remain Calm
  • Try to wake and alert the person (shake the person, shout at them, and/or cause physical pain such as rubbing knuckles hard on sternum)
  • Give Narcan
  • Call 911 and describe the situation, including that you have given Narcan and other steps you have already taken
  • Perform rescue breathing
  • Place person in recovery position (pictured below)

 

Pictures illustrating the recovery position

https://cpr-test.org/how-to-put-someone-into-the-recovery-position/

 

Where can I find Narcan on Campus?

  • In every AED box.
  • Campus Police

Image of AED box with Narcan Sticker on Front Window.

 

How should I report an incident?

Alert UMKC Police at (816) 235-1515 or by calling 911 from any campus phone.

  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Be prepared to share:
    • How you found the person.
    • How many doses were given.
    • How the person responded after the Narcan was given.

How can I get training on how to use Narcan?

  • Online – Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service

https://health.mo.gov/living/families/more/first-responder-training.php

  • Online- Missouri Partners in Prevention Training

https://www.mopiptraining.org/msrx/

Am I protected if I give Narcan?

You are protected under the Missouri Good Samaritan Law!

Under the Good Samaritan Law, the person who seeks medical help and the person experiencing the medical emergency shall not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted resulting from minor drug and alcohol violations, when acting in good faith. Learn more at  https://time2actmissouri.com/goodsamaritan .

RESOURCES TO KNOW

Table with Hotline Resources with phone numbers.
Hotlines Phone #
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
National Addiction Hotline (800) 559-9503
Narcotics Anonymous (800) 561-2250
Alcoholics Anonymous (816) 471-7229

Substance Abuse Resources

Table with Kansas Substance Abuse Resources and phone numbers.
Kansas Service Sites Phone #
Mirror (913) 371-9668
Salvation Army Social Detox (KC) (816) 483-2281
Chautauqua Counseling Center (913) 281-1995
Heartland Regional Drug and Alcohol Assessment Center (for assessment and referral only) (913) 789-0951
KC Metro Methadone Program (913) 588-6493/6445
Table with Missouri Substance Abuse Resources and phone numbers.
Missouri Service Sites Phone #
Imani House - Swope Health Services/Hotline (816) 929-2600
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change (816) 421-6670 Ext 3
Comprehensive Mental Health Services (816) 254-3652
Rediscover Substance Abuse Services (KC) (816) 931-6500
Rediscover Substance Abuse Services (Lee's Summit) (816) 966-0900

 

 

 

Some information has been shared from the below references:
https://wellbeing.mst.edu/narcan/
https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/academics/departments/population-health/research/sexual-health-empowerment/community-resources.html