Narcan nasal spray...

coltle6920

coltle6920

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Anyone research this item and any difference there might be from what EMTs carry??

Don't need any accidental deaths caused by an average citizen.

Just curious.
 
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Same stuff.

There are potential areas of potential liability, but this isn’t one of them.
 
If you look around you might be able to find someone giving them out for free. Depends on how big the issue is in your area.

Giving someone NARCAN that doesn't need it won't hurt them. Aftercare and keeping the heart pumping prior is the key.

If you are going to be using it and not sure there are quick trainings available.
 
One of the local police departments gave out kits at a meeting I was at. What I noticed was there are a bunch of storage conditions, such as storing it in too warm or cold of temps and it seems to have a relatively short shelf life. Living in Michigan, I soon saw that carrying one in my vehicle for emergency use wasn't going to work, given the wild temperature swings we experience.
 
For some reason I received a call from the VA wanting to know if I wanted some Narcan. I don't see any reason to have it personally but given the variety of campgrounds we visit throughout the year I decided it might not be bad to have on hand. My best guess is that the manufacturer made the correct political contributions to be awarded a government contract.
 
I think you are somewhat covered by the good Samaritan rule. Doing something is better than doing nothing. If it isn't an OD and you administer Narcan I don't think you will cause any harm. Check with your local police and fire departments on what they recommend. I think the over the counter stuff is the same.
 
My drug store gave me some because of the pain meds I'm on. I suppose I should check the exp. date. Perhaps maybe read the administering directions. Pills are kept locked up anyhow.
 
coltle6920 said:
Anyone research this item and any difference there might be from what EMTs carry??

Don't need any accidental deaths caused by an average citizen.

Just curious.
Click to expand...

I've been meaning to pick up some to keep in my truck first aid kit. I used Narcan for 30 years as a professional paramedic and the only major concern was administering too much too fast, which could result in a belligerent patient waking up and doing something foolish or even putting someone into withdrawal.

These issues are virtually eliminated by administering Narcan nasally now, which takes a bit longer to build up a therapeutic level in the blood, so I very much doubt that any civilian who gives it will have to deal with the more severe end of the reaction spectrum.

Two important points about giving Narcan:
1. It has a therapeutic life of around 8-20 minutes, so everybody who gets it also gets a visit from the ambulance crew or an immediate trip to the ER. The narcotics it is counteracting may last much longer than the Narcan, so don't let the patient drive! And...
2. The goal in administering Narcan is to ensure that the patient remains adequately breathing. You DO NOT have to keep giving it to them until they wake up. As long as you are giving it, keep an eye on how well the patient is breathing and they are not turning pale or blue.
 
lol
That's right, titrate to effect. :D As a former medic, we used to push just enough to maintain respiration and pulse - let the ER wake em up if they want. IIRC, initial dose was .4 to 2 mg, IV and .1 to .2 IM or subQ.
 
We keep a pack handy, was given out at a "social service" event.
Don't forget point #3: You will have a plenty pissed off junkie that has catapulted into withdrawal. Joe
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I say why bother, it just wastes resources and then they go back and do it again. Watched this for over 20 years in the medical field. Revive with narcan, send to the hospital, clean them up, release them (and no bills are paid) and back again in a short while to start the cycle again.
 
A story on the TV news tonight. All Texas prisons are now under lockdown because of an epidemic of drugs and other illegal items and substances getting inside, despite stringent security procedures to keep them out. There is a supply of Narcan kept in every prison block, and it gets used. Texas must have some very ingenious prisoners.
 
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