How to administer naloxone
Transcript
The following animated video demonstrates how to administer naloxone to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Some of the steps are repeated on-screen.
The video opens with a small, zippered black case with a red cross on it. It is a Naloxone kit.
Text on screen: How to give Naloxone. Temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
“If you think someone is having an opioid overdose, give naloxone as it can temporarily reverse the effects.”
“You can save a life; here’s how.”
A hand holding a cell phone appears; a person dials 9-1-1.
“First, call 911 or your local emergency number.”
“Next, give naloxone - even if you’re unsure if the person is having an overdose.”
“It’s safe, doesn’t cause harm and can save a life.”
A Naloxone kit and the contents are displayed including a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device, disposable gloves, alcohol wipes, nasal and injectable Naloxone, a syringe, and an instruction sheet.
“In Canada, there are two ways to administer naloxone – nasal spray and injectable.”
A Naloxone nasal spray appears.
“How to give naloxone nasal spray.”
A gloved hand appears alongside the nasal spray. The package opens.
“Put on gloves. Open the package,”
A gloved hand holds the nasal Naloxone dose.
“and put your thumb on the plunger – but don’t press yet. It’s only one dose.”
A gloved hand gently tilts back the head of a person lying on their back. The nasal spray naloxone is placed in the nostril of the person and the dose is given.
“Tilt the head back and put the nozzle into one nostril. Press the plunger all the way to give all the medicine.”
An ampoule and a vial of Naloxone, and a syringe appear.
“How to give injectable naloxone.”
A gloved hand appears.
“Put on gloves.”
A pre-filled syringe package appears and opens. An arrow points to the cap.
“Open the syringe package. If you have a pre-filled syringe, take off the cap.”
A vial and an ampoule of Naloxone appear. The vial cap is removed and the top of the ampoule is snapped off.
“If the naloxone in your kit is stored in a vial or ampoule, you will need to fill the syringe. Remove or snap the cap from the vial or ampoule to open it.”
Syringes are shown being inserted into the naloxone vial and ampoule. The syringes begin to fill as the plungers are pulled up slowly.
“Place the needle into the medicine to slowly draw it into the syringe.”
A syringe is pointing upwards. A small empty air space can be seen at the top near the needle.
Text on screen: Remove as much air as possible.
“Point the needle upwards and gently press the plunger to release any extra air bubbles.”
Gloved hands insert the syringe at a 90-degree angle into exposed skin. A diagram of a 90-degree angle appears alongside the syringe. The plunger is pushed down, and the dosage exits the syringe into the skin.
Text on screen: Insert into a large muscle.
“Hold the syringe at a 90-degree angle and insert quickly into a large muscle - like the upper arm or thigh. Push the plunger all the way down to give all of the medicine.”
Gloved hands insert the syringe at a 90-degree angle into a fully clothed area.
“You can even insert it through clothing.”
The used syringe and ampoule are safely contained in a rigid plastic container.
“Toss the used syringe and ampoule or vial in a rigid container or ask emergency personnel to dispose of it when they arrive.”
A gloved hand reaches out to show a wristwatch timer set to 2 minutes.
“Naloxone begins to work within 2 to 3 minutes. Then, wait for the person to respond.”
“If there is no response, it’s safe to give another dose if you have it.”
A person is lying on their side with their top knee bent forward on the floor. Their arm is bent in to support their head. (This is also known as the “recovery position”.)
“While you wait, move the person on their side with their top knee bent. Naloxone is active in the body for 30 to 120 minutes, but the effects of opioids can last longer, and the overdose can come back.”
Text on screen: Naloxone wears off and the overdose can return.
An ambulance with flashing lights appears.
“Stay with the person until emergency services arrive - even if they seem better.”
“Learn more at Canada.ca/Opioids. Together we can stop overdoses.”
#stopoverdoses
Logo for the Government of Canada.
A message from the Government of Canada.