HR Gear/Kit Contents
How is Naloxone Administered?
-Remove spray from packaging
-Tilt the person's head backward
-Place plunger in the person's nose
-firmly press the plunger to administer dose into person's nose
-Place person into the "recovery position"
-Wait approximately 2 minutes to give an additional dose if the person does not respond to initial dosage
Name 3 HR principles (according to the National Harm Reduction Coalition).
-drug use is here, we work to minimize harm
-it is a complex issue, there are safer ways to do things
-quality of life matters
-be non-judgmental
-people who use drugs should have a say in HR matters
-aim to empower with strategies
-acknowledge that society affects an individual's vulnerability and capacity to deal with drug-related harm
-do not minimize/ignore that substance use is harmful and dangerous
What are some symptoms of an opioid overdose?
-unresponsive to touch or sound
-limp body
-slow or non-existent breathing patterns
-snoring/rattling
-clammy and/or blue/grey skin complexion
-small pupils
What are 3 examples of stimulants ("uppers")?
-cocaine
-MDMA
-methamphetamines
-Adderall/concerta/ridilin
-crack-cocaine
What are the contents of a fentanyl kit?
-Green bag
-2 straight pipes
-4 rubber mouth pieces
-5 alcohol pads
-foil
-condoms + lubricant
What are some ways we can follow our HR principles?
-educate, support, and advocate
-avoid biases and be empathetic and compassionate
-safer strategies (safer use, safer places, safer supply)
-navigate through potential barriers to access (spread the principles, directing to supports/referrals)
What should you do if you suspect an individual has overdosed?
-call 911
-administer naloxone
-perform CPR if breathing/heart stops
-remember that naloxone does not fully treat the patient, and that medical attention is still required
-recovery position (maintain a safe distance as patients can become hostile/confused upon waking up from naloxone treatment)
-monitor individual until professional assistance arrives
What are 3 examples of depressants ("downers")?
-alcohol
-benzodiazepines (Xanax)
-oxycodone
-fentanyl
-codeine
-valium
-Ativan
-morphine
-heroin
-Percocet
How should Naloxone kits be tracked in our Neogear chat when given to a participant?
-participant's initials x2
-birth year
-# of kits given
-Lot number (found typically on the back of container)
-expiration date
How can we prevent the risk of an overdose? What are some safe use strategies?
-provide and educate our participants with naloxone kits/training
-educate on the risks of particular forms of drug-use
-clean and safe gear
-avoid using alone
-know where your substances are coming from
-know your limit
What are the main differences between someone who is "on the nod" vs suspected overdose?
-generally speaking, people who are nodding off are responsive to touch or sound
-slurred speech
-head bowing
Name the most popular ways of opioid ingestion.
-snorting
-smoking
-injection
-swallowing
Where are the majority of our HR materials located in the office?
In the black cabinet beside the kitchen!
What are the stages of change?
-pre-contemplation
-contemplation
-determination
-action
-relapse
-maintenance
***it is important to note that an individual may exit and re-enter at any stage of change.
What are some differences between opioid overdose vs simulant overdose?
-stimulant overdoses have symptoms of agitation, sweating, paranoia, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat.
-opioid overdoses have symptoms of slow breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue lips/nails, cold/clammy skin, limp body.
What are some physical symptoms of opioid use?
-slurred speech
-nausea
-euphoria
-sweating
-dizziness
-sores on body and/or face
-confusion
-vertigo
-irritability
-slowed breathing
-memory issues