Opioid overdoses and life-saving naloxone are frightening and serious subjects. That’s why CMHA Ontario has developed an easy-to-understand resource to help organizations and the average person identify the signs of an opioid-overdose and how to deliver potentially life-saving naloxone.
Reducing Harms: Recognizing and Responding to Opioid Overdoses in Your Organization provides:
- An overview of the current situation in Ontario related to opioids, naloxone, and opioid-related emergencies, including definitions and facts.
- Explanations of symptoms and who may be at-risk of an opioid overdose.
- Information about where to get naloxone and instructions about how to use it.
- Information about caring for an individual after they receive naloxone.
- Information about supporting employees in the aftermath of an opioid emergency.
- Considerations about implementing a naloxone-delivery policy, including myth-busting information about naloxone administration.
The toolkit is particularly useful for community groups who work with at-risk populations. The resource is also useful for the average person who wants to learn more about how to use naloxone during an opioid-related emergency at home, at work or at play.
This toolkit even more effective when it accompanies hands-on training provided from pharmacies or public health units that distribute naloxone.