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Narcan Policy

Effective as of Aug 22, 2024 | Last updated on Sep 16, 2024

Who This Policy Applies To

CCA Community Members

Policy Statement

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use and administration of Narcan (Naloxone) to respond to opioid overdoses on campus, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

SCOPE

CCA community members have the potential to be first responders to a person who is experiencing or suspected of experiencing an opioid-related overdose.

POLICY STATEMENT

The college is committed to providing a safe environment and recognizes the importance of being prepared to respond to opioid overdoses. Narcan (Naloxone) will be available and accessible on campus to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

In alignment with job duties of responding to emergency situations, Public Safety, Studio Operations Managers, and Residential Education support staff will be appropriately trained staff administrators of Narcan.

Please reference the Good Samaritan Law and AB 635 for more information regarding protections in administering Narcan.

RELATED INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Roles:

  • Public Safety: Maintain Narcan kits, provide immediate response to overdose incidents, and document and report the use of Narcan.
  • Residential Education Staff and Studio Operation Managers: Provide immediate response to overdose incidents.

Procedures

Signs of possible opioid overdose:

  • The person can’t be woken up - unconscious
  • Breathing is slow or has stopped
  • Snoring or gurgling sounds
  • Fingernails and lips turn blue or purple from lack of oxygen
  • Pupils are tiny or eyes are rolled back
  • Body is limp

Procedures: The incidents for which Narcan is used should be treated as a medical emergency, which will include these steps:

  1. Assess for a response
  2. Verbal stimulation - call their name loudly
  3. Shout “I’m going to Narcan you!” (verbal narcan) - if they say no, then ask them to sit up to show consciousness
  4. Physical stimulation - sternum rub: rub your knuckles up and down the center of their chest.

2. If no response, proceed to Administration:

  1. Give naloxone - one spray into the nostril
  2. Set a time for 2-3 minutes to determine response
  3. During the 2-3 minutes, call 911 and share that you encountered someone not responding and not breathing, share your location. Then return your attention to the individual and assess if you should move to #3.

3. Rescue breathing - after 2-3 minutes of no response or breathing

  1. Pinch their nose and lift the chin to open the airway
  2. Seal mouth to mouth and give 2 quick breaths
  3. Give 1 breath every 5 minutes

If no response and not breathing, repeat steps 2 and 3

  • Documentation and Reporting:
    1. Any use of Narcan on campus must be reported to public safety immediately after the incident.
    2. A detailed report of the incident, including the time, location, and circumstances, must be completed and submitted as an injury report (witness).
  • Post-Incident Support:
    1. Students can receive support services through the Dean of Students Office. EAP contains resources for Faculty and Staff.

Definitions

Opioid

Opioids are controlled substances derived from the opium poppy plant or synthesized from chemical components of opium. Examples include heroin, morphine, fentanyl, oxycontin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Narcan (Naloxone)

Narcan is an opioid antagonist drug, used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. Narcan is specifically used to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system. Naloxone is marketed under various trademarks including NARCAN®. Naloxone should not be mistaken for naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist used in the treatment of opioid use disorder rather than acute overdoses.

Drug Overdose

For the purpose of this policy drug overdose is defined as an acute medical condition, including, but not limited to, severe physical illness or a limp body, coma or loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils, pale face, blue lips and /or nail beds, clammy skin, not breathing or breathing slowly, shallow breathing, snoring, gurgling and/or vomiting.

Additional Information

Availability and Storage:

Narcan kits will be stored in designated locations across campus, including but not limited to

  1. Residence hall office, both Founders Hall and Blattner
  2. Public safety offices
  3. 80 Carolina 2nd floor administrative office
  4. Resource Hub

Training:

  • Known administrators will complete training on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan.
  • Community members are encouraged to review the trainings as well to recognize signs and administration.

TRAININGS:

RESOURCES

Contacts