Opioid Overdose Resources
Skagit Valley College faculty, staff, and students can access free NARCAN® (Naloxone) and Fentanyl test strips on campus to help prevent opioid overdose.
Naloxone is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Some examples of opioids are heroin, fentanyl, methadone, OxyContin®, and Vicodin®. You can give naloxone to someone as an injection or nasal spray. RCW 69.41.095 permits any person or “entity” (e.g., police department, homeless shelter) to obtain, possess, and administer naloxone. It also permits naloxone distribution under a prescriber’s standing order.
Campus Opioid Overdose Resources
First Aid on Campus
SVC has placed Naloxone in each of its buildings AED boxes. Those locations are marked with red and white AED banners and purple Naloxone signs. The white boxes have AED and Naloxone stickers affixed to them. These medications are intended for first aid response in case of an opioid overdose in or near campus buildings. If naloxone is removed from the AED boxes, please contact Security to restock as soon as possible.
Individual Opioid Overdose Resources
SVC provides free Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips at locations on campus for SVC community members at the following locations:
MOUNT VERNON CAMPUS
- Student Services, Cardinal Center C190 near front desk
- Counseling Center, Lewis Hall L110 near front desk
- Campus View Village, Alder 100 Laundry Room
WHIDBEY ISLAND CAMPUS
- Registration hallway near Oak Hall Rm 202
- Student Services, Old Main Rm 116
SAN JUAN CENTER
- Lobby near main office
Recognizing Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose may lead to symptoms that may resemble other medical emergencies such as alcohol poisoning or overdose of sedatives. So, learning to recognize the symptoms of opioid overdose is important.
Classic Signs of Opioid Overdose Include:
- Pinpoint (tiny) pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Problems breathing or not breathing at all
Other Signs of Opioid Overdose May Include:
- Blue or purplish fingernails or lips
- Limp extremities
- Vomiting or gurgling sounds
Treating Opioid Overdose
If you suspect a person is a victim of opioid overdose, you should:
STEP 1 - Identify Opioid Overdose and Check for Response
- Ask person if he or she is okay and shout name.
- Shake shoulders and firmly rub the middle of their chest.
- Check for signs of an opioid overdose.
- Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
STEP 2 - Give NARCAN® Nasal Spray
- Remove NARCAN® Nasal Spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
- Hold the NARCAN® Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
- Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into either nostril. Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
- Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
- Remove the NARCAN® Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose.
STEP 3 - Call for Emergency Medical Help, and Support
- Call 911: Get emergency medical help right away.
- Move the person on their side (recovery position) after giving NARCAN® Nasal Spray.
- Watch the person closely.
- If the person does not respond by waking up, to voice or touch, or breathing normally another dose may be given. NARCAN® Nasal Spray may be dosed every 2 to 3 minutes, if available.
- Repeat Step 2 using a new NARCAN® Nasal Spray to give another dose in the other nostril. If additional NARCAN® Nasal Sprays are available, repeat step 2 every 2 to 3 minutes until the person responds or emergency medical help is received.
Naloxone can rapidly reverse the overdose effects and restore normal breathing. However, Naloxone is effective for only 30-60 minutes. So, emergency care is still important to ensure that the victim of an overdose does not revert to their overdose state.
Administering Naloxone to a person who may be suffering from alcohol poisoning or sedative overdose will not harm them — but it will also not help them. Calling 911 to request emergency services is critical.
Good Samaritan Law
Overdose victims and responders have legal protections in Washington State.
In WA State, anyone trying to help in a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liabilities by RCW 4.24.300. WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law RCW 69.50.315 gives additional, specific protections against drug possession charges:
- If you seek medical assistance in a drug-related overdose, you cannot be prosecuted for drug possession.
- The overdose victim is also protected from drug possession charges.
- Anyone in WA State who might have or witness an opioid overdose is allowed to carry and administer naloxone. (RCW 69.41.095)
The key to saving a life from overdose is to get professional medical help as fast as possible. If you are witnessing a drug overdose, don’t be afraid to call 911.
Visit Stopoverdose.org for more information.
Video and Print Opioid Overdose Resources
WA State Overdose Prevention and Response Training from stopoverdose.org (in English w/subtitles)
Capacitación Sobre Prevención y Respuesta en una Sobredosis
"Good Samartin Law" Poster