Ready to Respond

Module 2 of 4

Module 02

Give naloxone

By the end of this module you will be able to

  • Give a dose of nasal Narcan correctly.

  • Give intramuscular naloxone using a vial and syringe.

  • Know how long naloxone takes to work and when to give a second dose.

Giving naloxone

Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose by knocking the opioids off the brain's receptors so the person can breathe again. It comes in two common forms. The placeholder steps below are a starting point. Replace them with Georgia Overdose Prevention's approved wording before you go live.

Nasal Narcan, step by step

1. Lay the person on their back and support the back of the neck.

2. Peel open the package and hold the sprayer with your thumb on the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.

3. Gently insert the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the nose.

4. Press the plunger firmly all the way in to give the full dose.

5. If there is no response after 2 to 3 minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril.

Intramuscular naloxone, step by step

1. Draw the naloxone from the vial into the syringe.

2. Inject straight into a large muscle: the outer thigh or the upper arm. You can go through clothing if you need to.

3. If there is no response after 2 to 3 minutes, give a second dose.

Naloxone wears off. It usually starts working within 2 to 3 minutes, and its effects last about 30 to 90 minutes. The opioids can outlast it, so the person can slip back into overdose. Call 911 and stay with them.