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INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO: Fire Department’s Crisis Response Unit provides Narcan kits in City facilities

The Round Rock Fire Department’s Crisis Response Unit, a division of the Community Risk Reduction program, have provided Narcan kits inside AED boxes in public-facing City of Round Rock facilities to help battle opioid overdoses in our community.

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. If a person overdoses on an opioid, they may stop breathing, which can lead to brain damage and death. Narcan works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, reversing the effects of the overdose and restoring normal breathing. Even if someone is not suffering from an opioid overdose, there will be no damage caused by using Narcan.

Here are the steps to follow if you need to use Narcan:

  1. Check the person’s pulse and breathing: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, you should start CPR immediately. If the person is breathing, but their breathing is slow or shallow, proceed to step 2. Delegate someone to call 9-1-1 or call 9-1-1 yourself.
  2. Administer Narcan: Hold the nozzle of the spray against one nostril and press the plunger to deliver the medication.
  3. Wait for the Narcan to take effect: Narcan takes a few minutes to start working. The person may begin to wake up and their breathing should improve.
  4. Monitor the person: Continue to check the person’s pulse and breathing, and keep them in the recovery position (on their side).

It’s important to remember that Narcan is a temporary solution and does not cure an opioid overdose. The person will still need medical attention, even if they start breathing normally again. Additionally, if the person has a known opioid addiction, it’s important to encourage them to seek treatment.

In conclusion, Narcan is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. By following these steps, you can help save a person’s life and get them the medical attention they need.

For more information, watch the video below or call the Crisis Response Unit at 512-218-5516.