Should I Add NARCAN® Nasal Spray to My First Aid Kit?
Last edited: 2024-08-21
NARCAN Nasal Spray is designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency.
In the event of an opioid overdose, time is critical. NARCAN Nasal Spray is designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency. It is used to revive someone during an overdose from many prescription pain medications or street drugs such as heroin and is available as an over-the-counter treatment.
Should I Add NARCAN® Nasal Spray to My First Aid Kit?
Yes, Including NARCAN Nasal Spray (Naloxone HCI) in your first aid kit is a proactive step that can make a significant difference in an emergency situation. Having NARCAN on hand allows you to act immediately while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
Having NARCAN in your first aid kit is especially a good idea if you are in an environment where opioid use might be present, such as if you or someone in your workplace takes prescription opioids, or if you work in a community where opioid misuse is a concern.
Related: Understand the burn basics and how burn bandages can help keep your workforce safe.
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
Signs of an opioid overdose can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Key signs may include:
- Unconsciousness or Unresponsiveness – The person may not wake up or respond to stimuli, such as loud sounds or physical stimulation.
- Slow or Shallow Breathing – Breathing may slow to fewer than 10 breaths per minute, or the person may stop breathing entirely. Gurgling or choking sounds may also occur.
- Slow or Erratic Pulse – The person's pulse may slow down, become weak, or be irregular.
- Pinpoint Pupils – The person's pupils may become extremely small.
- Blue or Grey Skin – Lips, nails, or skin may turn blue or gray due to a lack of oxygen.
- Cold or Clammy Skin – The skin may feel cool or clammy to the touch.
- Limp Body – The person may have a limp or floppy body, unable to support themselves.
- Nausea or Vomiting – In some cases, the person may vomit.
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, it is critical to call emergency services immediately and administer NARCAN Nasal Spray, if available.
Watch this video to learn how to spot the signs of an opioid emergency.
In order to administer NARCAN Nasal Spray, is any special training or user assembly required?
No special training, measuring or assembly is required to use NARCAN Nasal Spray. NARCAN Nasal Spray is a ready-to-use device containing a single 4 mg dose of Naloxone HCI.
Watch this video to learn how to administer NARCAN Nasal Spray.
Does NARCAN work on fentanyl overdoses?
NARCAN is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses, and it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl or prescription painkillers.
Can you overdose on NARCAN Nasal Spray?
No, you cannot overdose on NARCAN. Even if NARCAN is administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose or has taken no opioids, it won't cause harm. The drug has very few side effects, and it is considered safe even in high doses
Who can purchase NARCAN Nasal Spray?
NARCAN Nasal Spray is an over-the-counter medication, so anyone can purchase it. No prescription or ID is required. You can buy it online from Wesco or at any drug store.
What is the shelf life of NARCAN?
NARCAN Nasal Spray has a shelf life of 4 years (48 months).
Who Makes NARCAN Nasal Spray?
NARCAN nasal spray is manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions, a global life sciences company focused on providing solutions to public health threats. Emergent BioSolutions is dedicated to developing and supplying medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, as well as emerging infectious diseases. NARCAN, their life-saving opioid reversal product, is a critical tool in combating the opioid crisis.
Related: Do you use a regular service to manage your first aid inventory like Cintas First Aid? Learn more about how you can make the change to manage first aid on your own with our blog article here.
Can I purchase NARCAN from Wesco?
Yes. Having NARCAN Nasal Spray in your first aid kit or carrying it with you can make a difference. NARCAN Nasal Spray can reverse the effects of an opioid emergency by restoring breathing while waiting for first responders to arrive. This spray is easy-to-use and starts reversing the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes.
- This is the same brand used by first responders in original prescription strength
- Package contains two single-dose spray devices
- Active ingredient: 4mg Naloxone HCI
Our Safety Support Team is always available to help you select the right first aid kits and products for your workplace. In almost any situation you have, we can offer you options that best fit your budget or specific needs.