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Help save a life

Consider adding life-saving naloxone to your first aid kit

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the opioid epidemic affects all Minnesotans, with overdose deaths remaining at a devastatingly high level. Fentanyl, which is more deadly and 50 times more potent than heroin, has made Minnesota’s drug supply increasingly dangerous. Naloxone is a potentially life-saving drug that can reverse an overdose caused by opioids.

Naloxone – how it works
Naloxone acts in the brain to immediately block the effects of opioids such as heroine, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone/oxycontin, fentanyl, buprenorphine, codeine and methadone. Naloxone can be administered by intramuscular (IM) injection or a nasal spray, and also intravenously by medical professionals. It will not reverse a non-opioid overdose caused by alcohol, stimulants such as cocaine or Adderall, and benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety drugs.

Good Samaritan law
In situations involving substance use, the fear of legal action can deter people from both seeking or giving help. ‘Steve’s Law’ is Minnesota’s Good Samaritan and naloxone access law, expanding availability of the drug and allowing anyone in Minnesota to carry naloxone. Importantly, it grants civil immunity to someone administering naloxone and provides some criminal immunity if an individual experiencing an overdose calls 911 to seek assistance.

Where to get free naloxone and fentanyl test strips

In researching this story, I found the Steve Rummler HOPE Network (SRHN) enormously helpful. See resources below. Their website provides a wealth of information on the opioid crisis and Steve’s Law, offers online training programs on how to administer naloxone, and includes a map of pick-up sites where you can get SRHN’s free Overdose Response [IM] Naloxone Kit. You can also pick up a free pack of fentanyl test strips that can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in both opioids and non-opioids. Visit the SRHN website for a pick-up site near you: steverummlerhopenetwork.org/what-we-do/naloxone-access-points/

Naloxone available to purchase

Naloxone in IM injection form, Narcan® (the most widely known nasal spray brand), and other nasal spray brands are readily available to purchase online without a prescription. Many pharmacies now carry naloxone. Note: naloxone in any form should be stored out of direct sunlight and at room temperature, so keeping it year-round in a vehicle is not recommended.

Free individual and group training

Learning how to identify an opioid overdose situation, understanding how to react, and getting comfortable with administering either IM or nasal spray form naloxone, are all critical components to saving a life. SRHN have Zoom training sessions available each month, their online training module is on demand, and you can request free group training. I attended a Zoom training session and also completed the online training, and feel I gained the confidence to use the IM naloxone delivery method as well as a nasal spray that I ordered online. Visit the SRHN training page to learn more: steverummlerhopenetwork.org/resources/i-want-naloxone-training/

Who should have naloxone in their first aid kit?

In a word – everyone! Including public-facing businesses and other organizations. SRHN’s Executive Director, Alicia House, impressed upon me that bringing this awareness to the general public is vital to reducing the number of opioid overdose deaths. So, please help spread the word by sharing this article!

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