What is Naloxone?
Naloxone (also called Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used for the complete or partial reversal of opioid overdose. Opioids are drugs that can make a person experience a temporary euphoria or relieve pain, but can also slow down heart rate and breathing, constrict pupils, cause drowsiness and slow or slur speech. If these effects cause a person to lose consciousness or stop breathing, this is an OVERDOSE or POISONING. Due to the opioid crisis in Canada, Naloxone kits are available to the public.
How do I get a Naloxone kit?
Kits are available from ARCHES Lethbridge. ARCHES is a non-for-profit organization that promotes harm reduction and provides training on personal use/administration of Naloxone. Kits are also available from some pharmacies in Lethbridge. Read more about Naloxone here.
Can Naloxone be administered in the workplace?
At the University of Lethbridge, Campus Safety Security Services is the only department authorized to administer Naloxone and complies with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety’s requirements for Naloxone in the Workplace.
Workplace authorization acknowledges potential overdose situations carry risks and hazards that must be addressed, including physical injuries (violence, sharps, and strains), chemical (inhalation or contact with drugs and products) dangers, biological dangers (blood and body fluids) and psychological concerns (stress and violence). Appropriate hazard controls, training, maintenance, inventory and storage of naloxone kits is required.
An individual’s decision to carry a Naloxone kit is a personal choice and not a UofL workplace requirement.
Can Naloxone be kept in First Aid Kits?
No. In Alberta, the minimum requirements for first aid kits do not include over-the-counter medications or any other medication. There can be potential adverse outcomes related to medication use. Read more here.
What should I do if I suspect someone had overdosed?
Call 911 to request Emergency Medical Services to the scene and then call Security Services (403) 329-2345. Administer first aid to the level of your training until emergency assistance arrives.
Questions about Naloxone in the Workplace? Contact safety.services@uleth.ca