1. Opioid Overdose Responder Training
Presented by [insert name of organization]
Adapted from NJ Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

2. Purpose of this Course
Training community members to be prepared in an overdose situation
Recognizing an opioid overdose
Providing emergency assistance, including rescue breathing
Administering naloxone to the victim
Providing the victim with recovery resources

3. What are Opioids? Can be natural or synthetic
Work on the opioid receptors in the body
Includes the illegal drugs like heroin as well as prescription pain medications such as oxycodone, fentanyl, etc.
Can be tampered with to be snorted or injected
Can be abused when taken by mouth

4. What is an Opioid Overdose?
Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain as well as on vital organs
When too much of an opioid is taken, body functions can shut down
Breathing is slowed down or stopped
The victim is not receiving vital oxygen to his/her brain

5. Overdose Risk Factors
Using an opioid after not using it for a period of time after detox, jail, etc.
Using street drugs with unknown strength or purity
Using an abusive method such as snorting or injecting
Mixing with other drugs or with alcohol
Using drugs without anyone around

6. How Does Naloxone Work? Displaces opioids from the opioid receptors
Only effective for overdoses related to opioids
Works for about 30 to 90 minutes
Even if victim responds to treatment, must still seek emergency services

7. Naloxone given by a Bystander
Can be on the scene before emergency first responders
No adverse effect if given to someone who is not suffering opioid overdose
Intranasal spray can be properly administered with minimal training
No risk of needle sticks with intranasal formulation

8. Opioid Overdose and NJ Law
Overdose Prevention Act signed by Chris Christie in May 2013
Protects someone who overdoses or seeks help for someone else from prosecution for drug use or possession
Prevents not seeking help for fear of getting in trouble with the law

9. Signs of an Opioid Overdose
Slow breathing, gurgling sounds, or no breathing
Cold and clammy skin
Blue lips or fingertips
Confusion, seizure, unconsciousness
Pinpoint pupils

10. Steps in an Opioid Overdose
ASSESS AND STIMULATE
CALL 911
PERFORM RESCUE BREATHING
ADMINISTER NALOXONE
STAY AND ASSIST

11. ASSESS AND STIMULATE
Attempt to wake the victim by yelling his/her name or using your knuckle to rub his/her sternum
Check the individual’s breathing
If the individual is breathing, place him/her in the recovery position
If there is no breathing or pulse, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

12. PERFORM RESCUE BREATHING
Healthy Streets Outreach Program, Lynn, MA

13. ADMINISTER NALOXONE

14. ADMINISTER NALOXONE
Spray half of the vial into each nostril, equivalent to one full dose
Observe for any signs of breathing or the victim awakening
If there is no response in 2 to 5 minutes, a second full dose of naloxone can be given
Healthy Streets Outreach Program, Lynn, MA

15. STAY AND ASSIST Stay with victim and monitor:
Observe for withdrawal symptoms (agitation, sweating, vomiting, etc.)
Observe for return of overdose symptoms
Prevent choking or aspiration
Place the victim on their side in the recovery position

16. The Recovery Position
Ensures safety of someone who is unconscious, but breathing
Prevents choking or aspiration
Healthy Streets Outreach Program, Lynn, MA

17. Staying with the Victim
Naloxone is only a temporary reversal agent
If a victim is going through withdrawal symptoms, he/she may try to immediately use again
It helps to explain to paramedics exactly what happened in the overdose situation

18. The Aftermath of an Overdose
You may be in the position to have a conversation with the victim about recovery options
Resources can be found at knowaddiction.nj.gov
Make sure to replenish your supply of naloxone in case of an emergency

19. Thank you for saving lives!
We must work together as a community to fight back against the opioid epidemic.