Niwho:n Community Warriors for Change

Niwho:n Community Warriors for Change Coalition

The NCWC Coalition is grant funded from the California Department of Public Health under the Opioid Prevention Initiative. The NCWC Coalition is here to serve the Hoopa community by providing education, training (Narcan), and resources on Opioid Overdose Prevention.

Treating Opioid Overdose

If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose immediately consider the following actions to save their life:

• Call 911
• If the person has stopped breathing or if breathing is very weak, begin CPR (best performed by someone who has training)
• If available, treat the person with Naloxone to reverse opioid overdose

Family members, caregivers, or the people who spend time with individuals using opioids need to know how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer life-saving services until emergency medical help arrives. Individuals experiencing an opioid overdose will not be able to treat themselves. Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent opioid overdose. Check with your healthcare provider on how to obtain Naloxone in your state.

Recognizing Opioid Overdose

Opioid overdose is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency attention. Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose is essential to saving lives.

• Call 911 immediately if a person exhibits ANY of the following symptoms:
• Their face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch
• Their body goes limp
• Their fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color
• They start vomiting or making gurgling noises
• They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak
• Their breathing or heartbeat slows or stops

Publications and Resources

• SAMHSA's Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit: Safety Advice for Patients and Family Members – 2018
• Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Manual at Harm Reduction Coalition
• Opioid Overdose Prevention at the New York State Department of Health Prescribe to Prevent: Prescribe Naloxone, Save a Life