Campus naloxone program

Naloxone is a fast-acting, easy to administer drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It can restore breathing in two to five minutes.

Opioids affect certain receptors in your brain. Naloxone kicks opioids off these receptors and binds to them instead. This reverses or blocks the effects of opioids.

Naloxone only works if you have opioids in your system such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine or codeine.

There is some risk because of where we’re located, and we’ve had a small number of incidents. Most of the campus community is not affected. However, these uOttawa community members might encounter an opioid overdose:

• Protection Services members: staff who respond to medical calls made to the Protection Services phone lines (ext. 5411 or 5499)
• Volunteer Crisis Intervention Response Team (VCRT): students who volunteer with Protection Services
• First aiders: staff who volunteer as part of the workplace first aid program or administer first aid
• Housing community advisers: staff who support the wellness of students living in residence
• Student Health and Wellness Centre staff providing front-line medical services to students
• Staff in front-line service positions in buildings with elevated risk.

There is no easy way to know if fentanyl (or carfentanil) is present.

You can't see it, smell it or taste it. A very small amount of the powder can cause an overdose.

These are common signs of an opioid (heroin, morphine, fentanyl, methadone or OxyContin) overdose:

• Slow, irregular or no breathing
• Blue fingernails or lips
• Limp body
• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
• Loss of consciousness or person passed out (can’t wake the person up)
• Unresponsiveness (no answer when you talk to them or shake them)
• Pinpoint (tiny) pupils

Naloxone is safe for all ages. It only works if you have opioids in your system. You can’t use naloxone improperly and it doesn’t create dependence. It’s safe to keep a naloxone kit on hand.

If the naloxone kit remains in the AED cabinet, it’s good for up to three years.

Protection Services conducts monthly rounds and replaces any used naloxone kits.

1. Retrieve the naloxone kit and AED from the AED cabinet. You’ll hear an alarm and the Protection Services dispatch centre will be notified.
2. Put on the nitrile gloves.
3. Shout the person’s name (if known) and shake their shoulders.
4. If the person is unresponsive, call 613-562-5411 or 911 immediately.
5. Insert the nozzle into the person’s nostril and press the plunger down firmly to give the dose. Only spray once the plunger is in the nostril. The kit provides a single dose.
6. Perform chest compressions only (NOT rescue breaths).
7. Turn on the AED and follow instructions.
8. If you see no improvement after two or three minutes, repeat steps 5 and 6.
9. Stay with the person. Protection Services or paramedics will arrive with assistance.
10. Wash your hands.
11. Provide a statement to Protection Services about the care you’ve offered.

Yes, training is available online.

Search the map of pharmacies and community organizations that shows where you can get naloxone kits and training on how to use them.

• Ottawa Public Health
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Government of Canada