Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan®) is a medication that is available over the counter, is easy to carry, is easy to use, and can save someone’s life from an opioid overdose. Do you want to know more? Spokane County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has a training for that! The training helps community members understand who is at risk of overdose, when to use naloxone, and what protection is in place if it is used. 

Who is at risk? 
There are a lot of misconceptions around opioid overdoses that can keep people from being prepared to save someone. Many people think overdoses happen on the streets in certain parts of town when most overdoses happen in people’s homes. The training discusses misconceptions like this and provides information to help people understand that overdose can happen anywhere at any time.  

When should naloxone be used? 
Many people worry that they won’t know when to use naloxone or they might use it in the wrong circumstances. This training will help attendees understand when to use it and understand its safety even if used on somebody who has not overdosed on opioids. 

What protection is in place for people if they use it? 
Washington state law not only helps protect people who provide help during a medical crisis, but it also has specific protection for those carrying and administering naloxone. The training will provide this information and help community members understand how it applies to them. 

To learn more about naloxone, visit www.srhd.org/stopoverdose. If you’re interested in learning more about training for yourself or your organization, reach out to the Spokane County MRC at (509) 499-2229, or mrc@srhd.org. The training is completely free, and it could help save a life.