Administering Narcan (naloxone) is a potentially life-saving intervention in the event of an opioid overdose. Here's how to administer Narcan:
1. **Assess the Situation**: If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call emergency medical services immediately. Time is critical in these situations.
2. **Check Responsiveness**: Try to wake the person up by shouting their name and rubbing your knuckles on their sternum (the center of the chest).
3. **Open Airways**: If the person is not responsive, place them on their back on a flat surface. Tilt their head back to open the airway.
4. **Administer Narcan Nasal Spray**:
- Remove the Narcan nasal spray from its packaging.
- Tilt the person's head back slightly and support their neck.
- Gently insert the tip of the nasal spray into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the person's nose.
- Press the plunger firmly to release the full dose of Narcan into the person's nostril. Administer the entire contents of the spray.
- Remove the nasal spray and discard it properly.
5. **Administer Additional Doses if Needed**: If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, or if their breathing remains shallow or absent, administer a second dose of Narcan in the opposite nostril.
6. **Perform CPR if Necessary**: If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Follow the steps for CPR as appropriate.
7. **Monitor and Support**: Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and level of responsiveness until emergency medical services arrive. Be prepared to provide additional support as needed.
8. **Follow Up**: After Narcan administration, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms. Encourage them to seek medical attention and support for their substance use disorder.
Remember, administering Narcan is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always call emergency medical services immediately in the event of an overdose. Additionally, receive proper training on how to administer Narcan and respond to opioid overdoses safely and effectively.