From the Guidelines
For 5th grade education about Narcan (naloxone), I strongly recommend focusing on basic concepts like what Narcan is, why it's important, and how it helps people during opioid overdoses, as this can improve recognition of opioid overdose and increase lay rescuers’ willingness and ability to administer naloxone, as suggested by the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care 1. When teaching 5th graders, explain that Narcan is like a rescue medicine that helps people who have taken too much of certain medicines or drugs that can make it hard to breathe. The medication comes as a nasal spray that adults can use by spraying it into someone's nose if they suspect an overdose. It's essential to teach children that if they ever find someone who won't wake up, is breathing very slowly, or has blue lips, they should tell an adult immediately and call 911. Children should understand that Narcan saves lives but should only be administered by adults or emergency responders. This education helps reduce stigma around addiction and overdoses while teaching children to recognize emergency situations without frightening them. The lesson should emphasize that medicines can be helpful when used correctly but dangerous when misused, and that Narcan is a tool that helps keep people safe until they can get medical help, which is in line with the treatment recommendation from the BLS Task Force that suggests offering opioid overdose response education, with or without naloxone distribution, to persons at risk for opioid overdose in any setting 1. Some key points to cover in the education include:
- What Narcan is and how it works
- Why Narcan is important in saving lives during opioid overdoses
- How to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, such as slow breathing, unresponsiveness, and blue lips
- The importance of calling 911 and telling an adult if someone is suspected of overdosing
- That Narcan should only be administered by adults or emergency responders.
From the FDA Drug Label
Naloxone prevents or reverses the effects of opioids including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension. The FDA drug label does not answer the question about a 5th grade education on Narcan.
From the Research
What is Narcan
- Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- It is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and body 3, 6
How Narcan Works
- Narcan can be administered via injection or nasal spray 5
- It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, reversing the effects of opioids and restoring breathing and consciousness 3, 6
- Narcan is most effective when administered promptly, as delayed treatment can lead to prolonged respiratory depression and increased risk of brain damage or death 4, 5
Importance of Narcan Education
- Education on Narcan use and administration is crucial for individuals who may be at risk of opioid overdose, as well as their family members and caregivers 2, 4, 5
- Training programs should emphasize the importance of recognizing overdose symptoms, administering Narcan, and providing supportive care until medical help arrives 4, 5, 6
- Narcan education can help reduce the risk of overdose fatalities and promote safe prescribing practices for opioids 4, 5
Safety and Effectiveness of Narcan
- Narcan is generally considered safe and effective when used as directed 3, 5, 6
- However, it can cause adverse reactions, such as opioid withdrawal symptoms, in individuals who are opioid-dependent 3, 5
- The safety profile of Narcan must be considered in the context of outpatient prescribing and prehospital administration by non-medically trained responders 5, 6