Information and Training
Information and Training Videos
- Information from NARCAN®.com
- Training video on naloxone administration
- Take an online training course on how to save a life with naloxone
Boise State University is focused on creating a thriving community by prioritizing the health and safety of all campus members. Part of providing a safe environment is to plan for potential emergencies.
The purpose of this program is to increase the availability of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, on the Boise State campus thus reducing the risk of a fatal overdose occuring.
Boise State has installed opioid overdose response boxes around campus in collaboration with Central District Health and campus partners. The boxes contain NARCAN® a brand of naloxone nasal spray, as well as face shields for rescue breaths, gloves, and a pulse oximeter.
NARCAN® is a safe, easy-to-use medication that works quickly to revive someone experiencing an opioid overdose.
These boxes are meant to be used in an emergency situation where an individual is overdosing on the premises.
Naloxone Boxes Contain The Following Items:
Naloxone, which is also known under the brand name NARCAN® is a medication that is used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an “opioid antagonist” which means that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids such as fentanyl. Naloxone may also refer to similarly acting and equally safe opioid antagonists approved by the federal food and drug administration for treatment of drug overdose.
Naloxone is only used to treat opiate overdoses and does NOT reverse the effects of other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants (cocaine, meth, etc.). Naloxone will only work if a person has opiates in their system. It will not work to reverse an overdose from non-opioid drug use.
A person cannot get high from using naloxone.
It is critical to call 9-1-1 after administering naloxone as it is temporary and the effects do not last long.
Opioid overdose can happen fast. If any one of these signs are present, call 9-1-1 and give naloxone. Opioid overdose is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency attention. Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose is essential to saving lives.
Identify opioid overdose and check for response
Call 9-1-1 and advise them of your location
Give NARCAN® nasal spray
Conduct rescue breaths
Move the person into recovery position
Give NARCAN® nasal spray
1. Who should be given naloxone?
a. Naloxone (NARCAN®) should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose.
2. Does naloxone work if someone is not breathing?
a. A person does not need to be breathing for naloxone to work. Nasal spray is sprayed in the nose and the medicine is absorbed there. It does not need to be inhaled for the medicine to work.
3. Is naloxone easy to use?
a.Yes, naloxone is easy to use and medical training is not required. Check out CDC’s videos on how to use naloxone nasal spray.
4. Does naloxone have side effects?
a. Naloxone can (but does not always) cause withdrawal symptoms or unpleasant physical reactions, in people who are physically dependent on opioids. Withdrawal symptoms may include fever, anxiety, irritability, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.
5. Will naloxone harm someone who isn’t experiencing an opioid overdose?
a. Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on opioids or other drugs, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing.
6. Is naloxone addictive?
a. No, naloxone is safe to use and is not addictive.
Questions about this program can be directed to wellness@boisestate.edu
Sources: Drug Enforcement Agency, NARCAN, University of Wisconsin Madison, Central District Health, University of Washington, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration