Naloxone in Schools
What is Naloxone?
Since September 2016 Naloxone is available in all secondary schools in the Central Dauphin School District. Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the overdose by opioid substances such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl or oxycodone.
Naloxone is the generic name for the medication. It is considered the first line treatment for an opioid overdose. It is available as an injection and nasal spray. The nasal spray is stocked in each CDSD secondary school.
Naloxone is the generic name for the medication. It is considered the first line treatment for an opioid overdose. It is available as an injection and nasal spray. The nasal spray is stocked in each CDSD secondary school.
How do I know if someone is overdosing on opioids?
Opioid High vs. Opioid Overdose*
| Opioid High | Opioid Overdose |
|---|---|
| Relaxed muscles | Pale, clammy skin |
| Speech slowed, slurred | Speech Infrequent |
| Breathing | Not breathing or very shallow breathing |
| Appears sleepy, nodding off | Deep snoring or gurgling sounds |
| Responds to stimuli | Unresponsive to stimuli (calling name, shaking, sternal rub) |
| Normal heart beat/pulse | Slow heart beat/pulse |
| Normal skin color | Cyanotic skin color (blue lips. Fingertips) |
| Pinpoint pupils |
What do I do if I find someone that may have overdosed?
The nurse must be notified immediately by either a student or teacher. Time is of the essence. Do not send a student to notify the nurse when a phone call would save time. Notify the main office at 74306.
Explain the situation to whomever you speak with so the appropriate equipment can be brought to the scene.
Will I get in trouble for reporting someone who may be overdosing? Can I be sued?
The short, quick answer is "No". However, the Central Dauphin School District Board Policy #823 addresses this concern under the Guidelines heading.