POLICY 36
CITY OF OLYMPIA NALOXONE VOLUNTARY USE POLICY Added 3/24
Effective Date: March 7, 2024
SECTION INDEX: Naloxone Voluntary Use Policy
1. Purpose
2. Reference
3. Application
4. Guidance
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for City employees, except for Olympia Fire Department and Olympia Police Department, on the responsible use of naloxone to mitigate the effects of opioid overdoses.
2. POLICY
It is the official policy of the City of Olympia to allow employees to voluntarily assist any individual(s) experiencing an apparent opioid overdose. City employees, duly trained in accordance with this policy, are authorized to exert every reasonable effort to administer naloxone to individuals displaying symptoms of an apparent opioid overdose.
3. DISCUSSION
This policy aims to regulate the voluntary use of naloxone by City employees. City employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of an opioid overdose to facilitate prompt and effective assistance. This proactive approach aligns with the City's commitment to safeguarding the well- being of our community.
4. GUIDELINES
4.1. Naloxone Product Effectiveness
a. All naloxone products are recognized for their efficacy in reversing opioid overdose.
b. It is strongly recommended that departments prioritize the use of intranasal methods.
4.2. Obtaining Medication
Departments are authorized to obtain Naloxone through various avenues, including:
• Donations from manufacturers
• Collaborative efforts with non-profit organizations
• Coordination with hospitals
• Engagement with local health jurisdictions
• Additionally, departments have the option to directly purchase from reputable companies or authorized distributors.
4.3. Maintaining Medication
Each department director, or their designee, shall ensure the naloxone is stored consistent with the manufacturer’s guidelines. They will also maintain adequate inventory consistent with reasonably projected demands. Existing inventories shall be routinely checked for expiration dates so that new inventory is purchased in a timely manner.
Naloxone shall be clearly labeled in an unlocked, easily accessible, and supervised location. Consider storing in the same location as other rescue medications. Additional materials (i.e., barrier masks, gloves, etc.) associated with responding to an individual with a suspected opioid overdose should be stored with the medication.
4.4. Training Protocol
Any City employee requesting to carry naloxone is required to complete a City and State-approved training program focusing on the effective response to an individual undergoing an apparent opioid overdose and the correct administration of naloxone. At a minimum, the training shall include:
• Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone Use Training
• First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training
• Blood Borne Pathogen Training
By adhering to this comprehensive training protocol, City employees will be well-equipped to respond effectively to opioid-related emergencies, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of our community.
Training for designated staff shall occur annually and throughout the year, as needed. Each department will be responsible for training their personnel, as well as tracking who is trained in naloxone use.
Employees should be able to demonstrate proper use of the opioid reversal medication device provided by the City.
4.5. Opioid Overdose Symptoms and Response
Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy or entirely created in a lab. Opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, heroin, meperidine, fentanyl, and methadone. There are prescription opioids and opioids that can be created and obtained illicitly.
Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose happens when someone has taken too much of an opioid. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are especially dangerous due to their potency and they can be added to illicit street drugs. A person may experience the following non-life-threatening effects:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleepiness
A person may also experience the following life-threatening effects:
• Infrequent or absent breathing
• Slowed or irregular heartbeat
• No response to stimuli
• Severe allergic reaction Risks for an opioid overdose include:
• Mixing opioids with other substances, including benzodiazepines or alcohol
• Using after a break in use, due to decreased tolerance
• Taking too many opioids
• Other health conditions
• Previous overdose
• Using opioids not from a pharmacy because the strength is unknown
• Using alone (increases risk from dying from an overdose)
Those who overdose rarely experience sudden breathing cessation. There is usually enough time to intervene before breathing completely stops and death occurs. Opioid overdose reversal medication and rescue breathing are evidence-based intervention outcomes for individuals experiencing an opioid overdose.
Responding to an Apparent Opioid Overdose
In the event of an apparent opioid overdose, prompt attention from a trained medical professional is imperative. Any City employee choosing to administer naloxone are required to call 9-1-1.
It is crucial to note that naloxone is effective solely in opioid-related overdoses, and will not reverse overdoses involving alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, or other substances. It is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
Steps to Follow:
1. Ensure that the scene is safe and check for a response.
2. Call 9-1-1.
3. Following the manufacture’s instruction administer the naloxone as prescribed.
4. Start rescue breathing, if necessary.
5. Give a second dose of naloxone (if needed).
6. Provide post care.
a. Stay with the person until help arrives.
b. If the person is breathing, lay them in the recovery position.
c. Keep them calm.
Revision history: NA