Watching someone you care about struggle with addiction can be devastating, but knowing how to administer Narcan may save their life and help you feel more in control.The misuse of legal or illegal opiate drugs can cause an overdose that causes the victim to stop breathing.Narcan can often reverse opiate overdose.The fight against addiction may be easier now that the public has access to the drug.When trying to help, it's important to keep an eye on the victim, call for emergency services, and administer the Narcan if needed.
Step 1: Check for signs of an overdose.
Make sure to check the person for signs of an overdose before administering Narcan.Slow or shallow breathing may be symptoms.Gasping noises while sleeping or snoring.The skin is pale or bluish.A slow heartbeat.Blood pressure is low.Unresponsive will not wake up.
Step 2: You can call for emergency services.
You can call the emergency services in your country right away.Ensuring that help is on the way is important.
Step 3: Rescue breaths should be administered when the person's airway is checked.
To make sure there is no obstruction to the airway, check the person's mouth and throat.Place one hand on the person's chin, tilt their head, and pinch their nose closed.Make a seal around their mouth with your mouth and breathe in and exhale.You should see their chest rise as you deliver the rescue breath and then fall when you remove your mouth from their mouth.One breath per five seconds.
Step 4: The yellow caps have to be removed.
Immediately after giving several rescue breaths, prepare the nasal syringe.Pull off the yellow caps.There are usually two at each end.The plastic device that holds the needle in this case is not a needle.There is a website where you can find Narcan.
Step 5: Take the red cap off the Narcan.
There is a red cap on the tube of Narcan.Remove this and discard it.
Step 6: The pieces need to be put together.
Take the clear plastic wings of the nasal atomizer and put them on the needle.The Narcan container should be put on the barrel of the syringe.Do not test the spray.It can't be used again.Some Narcan sprays come in pre-assembled packages.They have two needle-free devices, one to use in each nostril.
Step 7: The Narcan should be administered in each nostril.
Put the victim on their back.Place the white cone in the victim's nose.Push the end of the capsule to spray the Narcan.Half of the container should be delivered.In the victim's other nostril, repeat the process.
Step 8: The outer case should be removed.
Injectable Narcan comes in a case.Remove the device from the case, but don't remove the safety guard until you are ready to inject the medicine.
Step 9: Take the safety guard off.
Remove the safety guard when you are ready to inject.It might be difficult to get the safety guard off.The black area of the EZVIO should not be touched after the red safety tab is removed.The needle is located here.
Step 10: Place the black end against the thigh.
The device should be placed in the middle of the person's outer thigh.If you want to inject the medicine, hold the device against the person's thigh for five seconds.You don't have to remove the person's clothing to do this.As the device injects the medicine into the person's thigh, you will hear a click and hiss sound.The device is working and this is normal.After the injection is complete, the needle will come out of the device.
Step 11: You can call the emergency services.
Make sure to call the emergency services in your country when you give the injection or someone will call for help.
Step 12: Narcan should only be given to the victim if they meet the criteria.
If the victim exhibits the following signs of overdose, you should only use Narcan.
Step 13: Provide care until help arrives.
If you find a loved one unconscious, try to wake them by rubbing your knuckles on their breastbone.They don't need Narcan if they wake up.Call emergency services if someone has overdosed.If the victim needs cardiopulmonary help before giving Narcan, this may save their life.Count their breaths and listen to their mouth to see if their chest is rising or falling.Give them a few rescue breaths if they are breathing less than 8 times per minute.Put your middle and forefingers on the victim's neck and look for a pulse for 30 seconds.Start chest compressions if they don't have a pulse.
Step 14: The victim should get to the hospital.
The victim should be taken to intensive care immediately.If you can't access emergency services, get the person to the hospital as soon as possible.If their overdose is reversed by Narcan, they need medical care.
Step 15: Encourage the victim to not use again.
The victim will want to use their drug again if Narcan causes symptoms of withdrawal.It can cause another overdose.It may be difficult for you to deal with these cravings.The victim should be supported emotionally and encouraged not to use drugs again that day.
Step 16: Appropriately store the Narcan.
You should keep Narcan out of the reach of children by storing it tightly in its original container.If you keep it in the bathroom, it should be kept at room temperature in a dark place.Don't freeze the medicine either.You can get a new Narcan if the red safety guard has been removed, it looks cloudy, or you can see particles floating in it.Keep it away from children.Don't allow anyone else to use your medication.
Step 17: Know the victim's drug of abuse.
If a loved one uses illegal drugs, try to find out what they take.Let them know that you're worried about their safety.The effects of opiate drugs can be reversed with the help of Narcan.
Step 18: Get Narcan from the doctor.
If you or a loved one suffer from opiate addiction, you should talk to your doctor about getting Narcan.You can get liquid Narcan that can be injected into a vein, muscle, or under the skin.You don't need a prescription to get Narcan in some states.Sometimes automatic injection devices are available.Voice guidance can direct you on how to use the device.Throw it away when you use it.If you don't have medical training, this is the best option.If you overdose, you won't be able to give Narcan to yourself.People should know how to use the Narcan and where to find it.
Step 19: Scan for signs of opiate overdose.
Sometimes you don't know what drug someone has overdosed on or if they've used drugs at all.Don't waste time, but look for signs that the victim may have overdosed on opiates.Scan quickly for drug bottles lying around and a patch on their body.Drug paraphernalia like needles, spoons, and tourniquets can be seen.