Naloxone

Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid poisoning that may cause a person to stop breathing. If you witness an opioid poisoning, call 911 and stay with the person until emergency services arrive. Learn how to administer naloxone (Vimeo).

Opioid poisoning symptoms

fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
dizziness and confusion
the person can’t be woken up
choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
slow, weak, or no breathing
drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

How to respond to an opioid poisoning

GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid poisoning and will do no harm if the poisoning is not due to opioids. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.

The information displayed above is displayed in an accessible format below.

5 steps to giving naloxone

Step 1 | Shake and shout

Shake their shoulders and shout their name.

Step 2 | Call 911

Always call 911 for unresponsive individuals.
Ask for an ambulance.
Put the person in the recovery position if you need to leave them.

Step 3 | Give naloxone

Lay the person on their back.
Place nozzle DEEP into nostril.
Press the plunger firmly for full dose.

Step 4 | Give rescue breathing and/or chest compressions

Step 5 | Is it working?

If the person has not woken up or breathing is not better in 2 to 3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone in the other nostril.
Continue to give rescue breathing and/or chest compressions until the person is breathing on their own or until paramedics arrive.
Additional doses may be needed.

Recovery position

If the person begins breathing on their own, or if you have to leave them alone, put them in the recovery position.

Head should be tilted back slightly to open airway.
Hands support head.
Knee stops body from rolling onto stomach.

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts locations, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Prevent drug poisonings to save lives

Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.
Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and illegal drugs.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
If you must use alone, consider the following options.
- Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
- Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.

Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (Health Canada) provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an opioid poisoning.

The Act is intended to reduce fear of police attending opioid poisoning events and encourage people to help save a life and applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an opioid poisoning, including the person experiencing an opioid poisoning. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the opioid poisoning scene before help arrives. In Ontario, The Good Samaritan Act (Government of Ontario) also provides some protection for anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.

This item was last modified on July 9, 2024