Opioid Overdose Resources

Naloxone nasal spray (also known by name brand NARCAN) is used for the treatment of an opioid emergency or a possible opioid overdose when the following symptoms are present: signs of breathing problems, severe sleepiness, or not being able to respond. Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of opioids temporarily and does not affect people who are not taking opioid medicines or drugs. 

All Campus Security officers are trained in administering naloxone. Naloxone is available to students and community members free of charge in the following locations: 

• Campus Security office (N-105) 
• Wellbriety Center (J-118) 
• Human Resources (J-202) 
• Student Success Center (I-218)  
• Behavioral Health office (I-223) 
• In the vending machines in Building C near Blencoe Auditorium, and across campus in wall-mounted AED boxes for emergency use.

A form of drug testing technology that has been effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs in drug samples before ingestion. Based on the results of test strips, people can choose to implement strategies to reduce the risk of overdose.  

Fentanyl testing strips are available without charge in the Wellbriety Center (J-118) and in the vending machines in Building C near Blencoe Auditorium.

The Wellbriety Center (J-118) is the hub for RTC’s collegiate recovery community. We welcome students who are interested in stopping or reducing their use of substances or other potentially harmful behaviors, as well as their allies. The Wellbriety Center exists as a place to study, hold meetings, hang out, and get to know other students. We have a library available for students to check out books related to harm reduction, sobriety, mental health, and supporting loved ones in recovery. Case Management services are also available through the Wellbriety Center. 

Crisis services

• Call or text 988 or visit the 988 website for free and confidential support 24/7.
• The National Helpline can assist with referrals and information 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Prevention & treatment

• Find naloxone near you.
• Safe Spot 
• FindTreatment.gov is a confidential and anonymous resource to help people find quality treatment programs and learn how to pay for them.

Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult. If you aren’t sure, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose—you could save a life. Call 911 or seek medical care for the individual. Do not leave the person alone. Signs of an overdose may include:

•  Small, constricted “pinpoint (small) pupils” 
• Falling asleep or loss of consciousness 
• Slow, shallow breathing 
• Choking or gurgling sounds 
• Limp body 
• Pale, blue, or cold skin, fingernails, or lips 

If you identify someone experiencing the above symptoms. 

1. Try to wake them up by shaking them and speaking loudly. Rub your knuckles hard over their sternum (center chest).
2. Call 911 and then notify RTC Security (425-235-7871). If you must leave, place the person in the recovery position.
3. Administer opioid overdose reversal medication (Naloxone) if available. 
   1. Lay the person gently on their back.
   2. Remove the naloxone nasal spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the nasal spray.
   3. Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
   4.  Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into either nostril. Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
   5. Press the plunger firmly to give the entire dose of the nasal spray.
   6. Remove the nasal spray from the nostril after giving the dose.
4. Start rescue breathing (this can be done if there is no Naloxone available. RTC AED kits contain rescue breathing masks)
5. If they don’t respond in 2-3 minutes, administer another dose of naloxone in the other nostril.
6. Continue rescue breathing until they wake up or emergency personnel arrive and take over.
7. If they start to wake up and breathe, stay with them
8. Note the time and dose(s) given to the affected person for notification to emergency personnel. While naloxone can rapidly reverse overdose effects and restore normal breathing, it is only effect for 30-60 minutes. Emergency care is still important to ensure that the victim of an overdose does not revert to their overdose state.

Administering naloxone to a person who may be suffering from alcohol poisoning or sedative overdose will not harm them, but it will also not help them. Calling 911 to request emergency services is critical.

Under Washington law, RCW 4.24.300, the state protects anyone who is helping someone suffering from a medical emergency from civil liabilities.

Additionally, RCW 69.50.315 allows for people assisting someone having an overdose and the overdose victim to gain immunity from certain criminal charges. The goal of this law is to decrease the amount of opioid, alcohol, and other drug-related deaths and make it easier for people to seek help when they need it.

If someone in Washington seeks medical assistant for a drug-related overdose, they cannot receive a charge for drug possession. If someone in Washington is experiencing an overdose, they cannot receive a drug possession charge. Anyone in Washington who might experience or witness an opioid overdose can carry and administer naloxone.

Opioid Overdose – Administering Naloxone by Washington State Department of Health demonstrates how to apply naloxone nasal spray, position someone in the recovery position, and apply rescue breathing.

WA State Overdose Prevention and Response Training covers overdose risks and includes a reenactment of an opioid overdose, showing symptoms and administering of aid (Naloxone nasal spray and rescue breathing).  

Capacitación Sobre Prevención y Respeusta en una Sobredosis cubre riesgos de sobredosis y tambien incluye una recreación de un sobredosis de opioides, mostrando síntomas y la administracón de ayuda (aerosol nasal de nalaxona y respiración de boca a boca).  

Laced and Lethal is an educational website in King County that provides information on fentanyl-laced illicit drugs, use of fentanyl testing strips and naloxone (including how to find both for free or for sale), and other resources.