Identifying and Responding to an Overdose

Naloxone/Narcan saves lives.

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone can be given via intranasal spray, intramuscular injection, or auto-injection. 

Narcan nasal spray is available on campus.

Narcan can quickly reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Even when using Narcan, 911 should be called immediately.

Learn more about how naloxone works here.

Step 1:  Check for any signs of opioid overdose (see "What are the signs of overdose?" above).

Step 2:  Call 911 immediately.

Step 3:  Administer Narcan as quickly as possible following instructions. If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, give a second Narcan dose. It will not cause harm if someone is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Find instructions for administering Narcan under "How Do I Use Narcan/Naloxone?" below.

Step 4: Do rescue breathing and/or chest compression, following 911 dispatcher instructions.

Step 5:  When the person's breathing returns, roll them onto their side with their top leg bent to support the position.

Step 6:  Stay with the person until help arrives.

The following video from the CDC can teach you how to use Narcan/naloxone. Familiarize yourself ahead of time so you know how to use it in the event of an emergency.

Yes, there are several precautions to be aware of when administering Narcan.

• One dose of Narcan may not be enough to reverse an overdose.  If normal breathing is not restored in 2-3 minutes, administer an additional dose.
• Narcan works to reverse opioid overdose in the body for 30-90 minutes.  Since many opioids remain in the body longer than this, it is possible for a person to still experience the effects of an overdose after a dose of Narcan wears off.
• Individuals who are given Narcan should be constantly monitored for signs of breathing.  In the event that breathing becomes labored or stops, administer rescue breaths until emergency responders arrive.
• Individuals who have a physical dependence on opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms after administration of Narcan.   Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and shaking.  While withdrawal symptoms may be uncomfortable, they will not cause death.  The most important action is to prevent overdose by administering Narcan. 
• Narcan only reverses opioid overdose—not other drug overdoses. Because alcohol and other drugs are often use in conjunction with opioids, Narcan should still be given. Alcohol and other drug overdoses may also look similar to opioid overdose; when in doubt, use Narcan. It will not cause harm if someone is not experiencing an opioid overdose.

These precautions reinforce the need to call for emergency medical care immediately upon identifying the possibility of an overdose.

If you or someone you know has an opioid prescription or is struggling with opioid use, you should carry Narcan, keep it in your place of residence, and let people know where it is. Note that Narcan is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. 

Anyone using illicit drugs may also consider having Narcan on hand. There has been an increase in instances of substances being laced with opioids, which can lead to drug users unknowingly ingesting opioids and experiencing an overdose. LEARN MORE

In 2023, there were 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States.

With the right tools, bystanders can take action to prevent an overdose death.  Anyone can obtain Narcan.  You do not need a prescription nor medical training to obtain, carry, or use Narcan.

Narcan won’t harm someone if they are overdosing on another drug other than an opioid. So, if you think someone is overdosing, use it.

Visit the page linked below to learn more about where to access FTS and Narcan.

Accessing Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) and Narcan

There a a couple protections in place for people who step in to help in an emergency situation like overdose:

• New Hampshire’s Good Samaritan Law (RSA 318-B:28-b): You are protected from liability for helping someone in good faith who is suffering from an overdose through the state of New Hampshire Good Samaritan law.  This law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.  In NH, a person is not civilly liable for using of Narcan in good faith, under RSA 508:12, Aid at Scene of Emergency or to Victim of Crime. In New Hampshire calling 911 will not lead to arrest or prosecution due to a simple drug possession.
•  Amnesty Through Responsibility Action Protocol: The University recognizes the barrier created by a student’s perceived fear of consequences if they or their peers are involved in serious or life-threatening situations as a result of alcohol or drug consumption. In an effort to promote a culture of communal care, the University has adopted a Responsible Action Protocol. If the individuals involved take immediate steps to report or seek out emergency medical assistance, this provision grants amnesty to student bystanders, witnesses and the impaired individual and shields them from disciplinary action through the conduct process. If you or someone you know is concerned about getting into trouble with the University for being in the presence, or under the influence of substances when responding to overdose, you are not at risk for a conduct violation at UNH when proactively calling for help. Know that the most important thing is to get help for someone and potentially save a life.  Learn more about the here (link to tab below)