Opiod Overdose Training Teaches Locals Lifesaving Knowledge
James Tuning presenting about opiod overdose response training at Lyle Activity Center. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
Klickitat Lyle Substance Abuse Coaltion (KLASAC), in partnership with Klickitat Valley Health, Washington Gorge Action Programs, Recovery Cafe of Clark County, and Washington State Health Care Authority, hosted an Opiod Awareness and Noloxone (NARCAN) Training at Lyle Activity Center on March 23rd, at 6 p.m. The training aimed to equip attendees with knowledge on recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses.
The training was attended by about 15 people and kicked off with a land acknowledgment.
The speakers - Shelia Crapper of KLASAC, James Tuning of KVH, Abby Brandy Whalin of WAGAP, LIz Lester, of ESD 112, and Ari Bodeau of Recovery Cafe of Clark County - covered a variety of topics, including risks associated with opioid use, fentanyl facts and myths, recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses, post-overdose care, tools for finding naloxone locally, naloxone storage, good Samaritan laws, information about local resources, and agency-specific rules to consider.
Spearkers, Abby Brandy Whalin, Ari Bodeau, Julie Walruff, Liz Lester, James Tuning, and Shelia Crapper at Lyle Activity Center. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Attendees were also given insights into current trends in overdosing, noting a rise in illicit fentanyl overdoses, overdoses due to mixing of sedatives and opiods, and an increase in the availability of naloxone thanks to state and regional efforts to reduce harm associated with opiod use.
During the event, attendees were also shown a video that highlighted steps to take when responding to an opioid overdose.
How to Respond to an Opriod Overdose
Check for signs of an opiod overdose
Won’t wake up, even with sternal rub
Not breating, barely breathing
Ashy, pale skin
Blue colored lips and/or nailbeds
Deep snoring, gugrling sound
Call 911
Good Samaritan laws protect both the overdosee and the person administering care from being charged with drug possession in Oregon and Washington.*
*As of the time of publishing on March 24th, 2023, some exceptions apply, including exceptions for signs of distribution such as scales and bags at the scene.
Give naloxone, and administer CPR
Naloxone can take 2-3 minutes to work.
Check pulse. Administer rescue breaths and chest compressions if necessary.
If the person does not wake up after 3 minutes, administer another dose of naloxone.
Some overdoses may require several doses of naloxone to be administerd before the person wakes up.
If the person wakes up, explain what happend and encourage the person to get follow-up medical care.
Stay with the person until an amblance arrives.
Naloxone can wear off within 30-90 minutes, meaning the person may stop breathing again and need to be administered another dose, this is why most kits come with 2 doses.
If you cannot stay, turn the person on their left side.
Shelia Crapper handing out naloxone at the training. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Following the training attendees went home with a free Noloxone HCl Nasal Spray kit, which contains two single doses of naloxone hydrochloride intranasal spray. Naloxone, commonly known as NARCAN, is known to temporarily relieve the effects of opioid overdose in adults and children, and each kit has a shelf life of seven years when stored properly.
Overall, the event was a success, and attendees left with the knowledge to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses, which could potentially save a life.
To stay updated on future Opiod Overdose Response Trainings from KLASAC follow them on facebook.
To access naloxone in your area ask your local prescriber, behavioral health treatment providers, vist Klickitat Valley Health or NorthShore Medical Group’s NARCAN vending machines, or visit www.stopoverdose.org/nalozone.
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