Opioid Overdose Prevention

Opioid Overdose Prevention

Procedure # 2540

1.0    Scope

This procedure applies to students, employees and visitors on Northland Pioneer College (NPC) campuses and centers.

2.0    Purpose

Opioid overdose and deaths from opioid overdose have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. NPC is committed to maintaining a safe and substance-free environment for students, employees and visitors on NPC campuses and centers. This procedure allows NPC to make available Naloxone nasal spray, provided by Navajo County Health Department, at each campus and center office as a means of preventing an opioid overdose. NPC trained staff will administer the Naloxone nasal spray after an opioid overdose is determined. NPC staff will also dial 9-1-1 immediately to ensure medical attention is provided. Naloxone spray that is supplied to NPC through the Navajo County Health Department is to be used on suspected opioid overdose on individuals here at NPC.

 
3.0    Definitions

3.1    Naloxone - (commonly known as Narcan) is a pure opioid antagonist, it blocks the effects of opioids but does not cause any opioid-like symptoms and can be life-saving when used to treat opioid overdose. 

3.2    Trained – staff/faculty who receive training on how to administer Naloxone nasal spray by Navajo County Health Department.

4.0    Administering Naloxone

Prior to administering Naloxone, look for a medical bracelet or ask if they are allergic to Narcan.  Trained staff shall utilize Naloxone on persons believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose. Information that a person is suffering from an opioid overdose includes, but is not limited to:

1.     Pinpoint pupils, even in a darkened environment.
2.     Depressed or slow respirations.
3.     Difficulty breathing
4.     Blue skin, lips or fingernails.
5.     Decreased pulse rate.
6.     Low blood pressure.
7.     Loss of alertness.
8.     Unresponsive.
9.     Seizures.
10.     Evidence of ingestions, inhalation, and injection.
11.     Blood shot eyes
12.     Past history of opioid use/abuse

5.0    Training of Staff

Campus and center staff may request to be trained by Navajo County Health Department on how to properly administer Naloxone nasal spray.

6.0    Maintenance & Disposal of Naloxone

Campus and center managers are responsible for ensuring adequate inventory of Naloxone and disposing of expired kits. Expired kits can be turned into Navajo County Health Department for replacement. Used Naloxone shall be disposed of by placing them in a hazardous container and contacting NPC’s current vendor for proper disposal.

7.0    Reporting Requirements

As soon as practical, NPC campus or center manager will call 9-1-1 to report the alleged overdose and seek medical attention for the person allegedly suffering an overdose. The campus or center manager will also fill out a CLERY report for proper reporting.
 

8.0    Arizona Revised Statue 36-2267 states, “A person who administers Naloxone in good faith and without compensation is not liable for any civil or other damages as the result of the act”.