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Boise State University

Opioid Overdose Response

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.

Drug overdose is a preventable cause of death

270

Idaho residents died of an opioid overdose in 2022

85%

of these drug overdose deaths were accidental

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.

Where can I find naloxone on campus?

Boise State Campus Map

Emergency Opioid Overdose Boxes:

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:

  • 2 boxes of NARCAN® each containing 2 doses (4 doses total)
  • Face shield for administering rescue breaths
  • Gloves
  • Pulse oximeter

What is Naloxone?

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.

Signs of Opioid Overdose

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.

  • Breath is slow, shallow, or has stopped
  • Noises like loud snoring or gurling
  • Body is limp, unresponsive, or unconscious
  • Lips or fingertips are blue or discolored
  • Skin is pale/gray or clammy
  • Eyes have pinpoint or small pupils

How to Respond to a Suspected Opioid Overdose:

Information and Training

Information and Training Videos

Steps for Administering NARCAN®

Step 1

Identify opioid overdose and check for response

  • Ask person if he or she is okay and shout their name
  • Check for signs of an opioid overdose:
    • Will not wake up or respond to your voice or touch
    • Breathing is very slow, irregular, or has stopped
    • Noises like loud snoring or gurling
    • Center part of their eye is very small, sometimes called “pinpoint pupils”
    • Skin is pale/gray or clammy
    • Lips or fingertips are blue or discolored
  • Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of the NARCAN® nasal spray into the nearest nostril

Step 2:

Call 9-1-1 and advise them of your location

Step 3:

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 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 the nearest 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 into your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose
  • Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN® nasal spray
  • Remove the nasal spray from the nostril after giving the dose

Step 4:

Conduct rescue breaths

  • Place one hand on the individual’s forehead to tilt the head back while simultaneously using your other hand to lift the chin. This “Head Tilt Chin Lift” method will open the airway
  • Place the CPR Rescue Mask over the individual’s nose and mouth, ensuring an airtight seal
  • Keep the chin lifted and conduct two (2) rescue breaths, one (1) second apart
  • Check that the individual’s chest rises and falls with each breath. If it does not, reposition the mask, open the airway again, and repeat rescue breaths

Step 5:

Move the person into recovery position 

  • Move the person on their side after the individual is breathing independently

Step 6:

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 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 the nearest 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 into your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose
  • Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN® nasal spray
  • Remove the nasal spray from the nostril after giving the dose

Tips

Important Tips

  • Do not test the nasal spray before using it
  • Each device will spray 1 time only
  • NARCAN® can be used in either nostril, nowhere else
  • 1 nasal spray is equivalent to 1 dose of medicine

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

For more Information Visit:

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