Opioid Overdose Response

& Naloxone Training

💊 What It Is

A structured educational program that trains individuals to:

  1. Recognize the signs of an opioid overdose (e.g., slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, pinpoint pupils).
  2. Respond effectively by providing rescue breathing, calling emergency services, and administering naloxone, an opioid antagonist medication that temporarily reverses overdose effects.

🧠 Key Components of Training

Typical curriculum includes:

  • Overdose recognition: identifying respiratory depression, unconsciousness, etc.
  • Emergency response steps: call 911, rescue breaths, proper positioning of the person
  • Naloxone administration: using nasal spray or injectable form (e.g., Narcan®), including dose, timing, and safe use
  • Post‑administration care: monitoring the person for 30–90 minutes (the duration naloxone remains active), providing additional doses if needed, and arranging transportation to a hospital
  • Legal protections: understanding Good Samaritan laws that shield overdose responders from legal liability

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who It's For

  • Non-medical individuals, including family members, peers of people who use opioids, staff in schools, workplaces, restaurants, shelters, and community groups
  • First responders, school personnel, security, and general public—anyone who could encounter an opioid emergency

⏱️ Format & Certification

  • Format: in-person workshops, live virtual sessions, or brief online modules
  • Materials: participants often receive a naloxone kit upon completion
  • Completion: may include brief quizzes or practical demonstrations; some programs offer certificates of attendance

🛡️ Why It Matters

  • Temporarily reverses respiratory depression, restoring breathing within 2–8 minutes
  • Safe and essential tool in combating the opioid crisis—tying into broader harm-reduction efforts
  • Empowers bystanders: studies show layperson responders using naloxone save lives—without increasing drug use
  • Legal support: Good Samaritan laws protect those who assist during overdoses

✅ Summary

Opioid Overdose Response & Naloxone Training equips you to:

  • Spot the signs of an overdose
  • Administer naloxone safely
  • Perform rescue breathing
  • Navigate post-overdose care
  • Understand legal protections


Completing this training—and carrying a naloxone kit—enables you to act swiftly during life-threatening events and contribute significantly to reducing overdose deaths in your community.

  • Let me know if you'd like help finding programs near you or accessing naloxone kits locally!