NALOXONE T H E B A R R I E R S T O
OVERDOSE RESPONSE PROGRAM The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
The DHMH authorizes private or public entities to conduct educational training programs using a core curriculum that includes information about prescription and non-pharmaceutical opioids and training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, proper rescue breathing technique, and how to properly administer naloxone and care for the individual until emergency medical help arrives. The training also stresses the importance of calling 911 for the person in distress and reporting the naloxone administration event to the Maryland Poison Center.
(DHMH) launched Maryland’s Overdose Response Program (ORP) in March 2014 to train and certify qualified individuals most able to assist someone at risk of dying from an opioid overdose when emergency medical services are not immediately available. Despite stringent guidelines, dispersion protocols, and the training certification required with the program, looming controversy surrounds questions of what validates individuals are being “qualified” in assisting in the Overdose Response Program. Recently, reports have shown that family members, friends and associates of opioid users; treatment program and transitional housing staff; and law enforcement officers seem to make up the majority of those most able to assist someone at risk of dying from an opioid overdose. Successfully trained individuals will receive a certificate allowing them to obtain and have filled a prescription for Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, a life-saving medication that can quickly restore the breathing of a person who has overdosed on heroin or prescription opioid pain medication like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl or methadone.
WHAT IS NALOXONE?
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can safely and effectively reverse an opioid-related overdose by quickly restoring breathing and consciousness. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioids and temporarily reversing their life-threatening effects. Because naloxone does not affect someone without opioids in their system, it can only reverse overdoses involving opioids like prescription pain medication and heroin. Naloxone is administered intravenously and can be administered one of two ways. One, it can be injected intramuscularly or two, sprayed intranasally. Regardless of how it’s administered, both methods can be easily done by trained laypersons. Naloxone is often dispensed in a rescue kit that includes the delivery device (needle or nasal atomizer and syringe) and items such as alcohol swabs, non-latex gloves, a plastic face shield for rescue breathing and information cards on things such as opioid overdose response and naloxone administration, overdose prevention tips and substance use disorder treatment.
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker