Naloxone Policy

 

Policy Number:

OPER_0052

Policy Statement:

Purpose and Scope

The objective is to treat opioid overdoses and get those overdosed transported to an emergency department to reduce the number of fatal overdoses.

It is the policy of Garden City Community College that designated staff are trained in the use of naloxone. The College Health Nurse shall be the Program Administrator.

Medication

• The college will use Narcan brand naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray.

Definitions

Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray (Narcan brand)

Used for the treatment of an opioid emergency or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. Naloxone nasal spray is used to reverse the effects of opioids temporarily and does not affect people who are not taking opioid medicines or drugs.

Location of Medication

• Medication will be stored based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Medication will be stored in the AED Cabinets, Residential Life office;
• AED Cabinets
  • Residential Life Lobby
  • Fire Tower
  • JCVT
  • PJFA
  • Saffel
  • DPAC

Training of Designated Personnel

• College Health will track the training of personnel:
• College Health
• Athletic Training
• Housing professional staff

• Training will include:
• Naloxone online video
• Familiarization with storage locations on campus
• First Aid/CPR training
• AED

Naloxone Use

When using the naloxone nasal spray, staff will maintain universal precautions against blood borne pathogens.  Staff must first perform a basic client assessment to determine unresponsiveness, absence of breathing and or pulse and perform CPR/First Aid as required (if trained).  Staff should conduct a quick survey of the area and/or discussion with those accompanying the client to check for evidence of drug use. If staff determine the client is likely suffering a medical emergency as a result of an opiate overdose, staff will call or ask another staff member to call 911 immediately and report that the client is in a potential overdose state.  Staff shall follow the procedure below to administer naloxone nasal spray.

Overdose Signs

• Unresponsive or unconscious
• Not breathing or slow/shallow
• Snoring, gurgling, or choking sounds
• Blue lips and/or fingernails
• No pulse or very slow pulse
• Pinpoint pupils
• Clammy skin

How to Respond to a Suspected Overdose

1. Identify Opioid Overdose & Check Responses

• • Ask – Are you okay and shout their name.
  • Shake – Shoulders & Rub Middle of Chest
  • Check for Overdose Signs (listed above)

2. Call Emergency Medical Services

• • Get emergency medical help right away. Call 9-1-1

Administration of Naloxone Nasal Spray

Administer naloxone nasal spray to patient suspected of an opioid exposure with respiratory depression or unresponsiveness as follows:

1. Remove naloxone nasal spray from box by peeling back the tab with the circle to open the spray.
2. Hold the naloxone nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
3. Tilt the head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into either nostril until your fingers are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
4. Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of naloxone nasal spray.
5. Remain with individual until he or she is under the care of a medical professional, such as a paramedic, emergency medical technician, physician, or nurse. Rescue breathing (one breath every 5 seconds), or CPR should be given if trained/comfortable while waiting for emergency medical assistance.
6. Administer additional doses of naloxone nasal spray using a new nasal spray with each dose, if exposed patient does not respond or responds and then relapses into respiratory depression, additional doses of naloxone nasal spray may be given every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency medical assistance arrives.

Do not administer naloxone nasal spray to a patient with known hypersensitivity to naloxone.

After EMS arrival, staff will inform responding EMS/Paramedics that they have administered naloxone nasal spray and the number of doses used.

Maintenance | Replacement

An inspection of the naloxone nasal spray kit shall be the responsibility of the personnel checking out the naloxone nasal spray kit.  Staff shall inspect the kit at the time they check it out.  The naloxone nasal spray kit will be kept in a secured, climate-controlled area.  This is imperative since extreme temperature changes may affect the effectiveness and integrity of the medication.

The Program Administrator shall be responsible for the evaluation, maintenance, and equipment of the program.  Duties shall include:

1. Ensuring an adequate supply of appropriate naloxone nasal spray is available.
2. College Health will replace any used, expired, or damaged kits.
3. Coordinating and overseeing training
4. Assuring the maintenance of training, inspection, and other program records
5. Conducting periodic evaluations to ensure that the provision of the program is being implemented. Evaluations should include consultation with the employees who use naloxone nasal spray and a review of program records.

Missing or damaged naloxone nasal spray kits will be reported as missing or damaged to the Program Administrator.  The Program Administrator will re-issue new kits as needed or as supply allows.

Documentation | Naloxone Report

Upon completing the naloxone administration and briefing of events to the responding medical staff, the staff will complete an “Incident Report” – the incident report will contain event and people (victim, witness, etc.) information. Staff shall include the naloxone usage in the report.

The short narrative should include a description of any evidence of drug use (drugs, paraphernalia, etc.) observed at the scene.

Prevention and Intervention

 College Health will notify student affairs of all known naloxone administrations to ensure appropriate prevention and intervention efforts.

• Prevention will include efforts such as education about opioid overdose and treatment incorporated into existing drug and alcohol prevention programs.
• Intervention will include efforts such as college mental counseling or referral to a local community mental health provider.
• Outreach and support services should also be offered and made available to responders who are involved in overdose incidents.

Naloxone and Kansas Law

Authorizing Legislation

HB2217-Emergency Opioid Antagonists

Policy History:

June 30, 2026: Revised to include policy number

December 18, 2025: Revised for Accessibility

March 2022: Approved