How to Administer Narcan

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is important to know how to administer Narcan properly in case of an emergency situation. Here are the steps to administer Narcan:

1. Call 911: If you suspect that someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. Time is critical in these situations, and it is important to get emergency medical help as soon as possible.

2. Check the person's breathing: Ensure that the person is not breathing or their breathing is very slow and shallow. If the person is not breathing or has stopped breathing, start performing CPR immediately.

3. Administer Narcan: If the person is breathing, administer the Narcan nasal spray as follows:

- Remove the Narcan nasal spray from its packaging. - 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 nozzle into one of the person's nostrils until your fingers are against the bottom of the person's nose. - Press down firmly on the plunger to release the medication. - Remove the nozzle from the person's nostril and dispose of the used Narcan nasal spray properly.

4. Monitor the person's response: After administering Narcan, the person may begin to show signs of improvement within minutes. However, it is important to continue monitoring the person's breathing and other vital signs until emergency medical help arrives.

5. Repeat administration if necessary: If the person's breathing does not improve or if the person becomes unresponsive again, administer another dose of Narcan in the other nostril using a new Narcan nasal spray.

6. Follow up with medical care: Even if the person appears to have recovered from the overdose, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. An overdose can have lasting effects on the body, and a healthcare professional can provide appropriate care and follow-up treatment.