Fentanyl overdose is the fastest growing cause of death for young people in California, including more than 220 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 last year alone. Fortunately, no Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) student has overdosed at any AUSD site, but the district understands the urgency of being prepared and has posted a Fentanyl Information for Families [1] web page.
[2]It’s important to know that a medication called Naloxone–Narcan—rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan can be administered via a nasal spray and is very easy to use, even for people who aren’t medical professionals. And Narcan causes no harm if it is administered to someone who is not having an opioid overdose.
AUSD has taken the steps to prepare staff, students, and parents, starting in the 2022-2023 school year and moving forward:
- All AUSD school sites have Narcan kits. Community members can buy kits at local pharmacies, some grocery stores, and online.
- AUSD health clerks, office, and technical workers have been given voluntary training on how to administer Narcan. Staff training will continue to be offered.
- Resources about fentanyl have been shared with AUSD principals and teachers.
- All AUSD high schools have been provided with curricula for educating students on the dangers of fentanyl.
[4]
Know the symptoms
Everyone should know how to recognize the signs of a possible opioid overdose. People overdosing on opioids typically exhibit at least some of the following symptoms:
- Very small pupils.
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness.
- Slow, shallow, or no breathing.
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body.
- Cold or clammy skin.
- Gray or blue skin, lips, or nails.
- Slurred speech or inability to speak.
It can be very scary to see someone in that condition, but you can help. Always call 911 immediately. If you have a Narcan kit and know how to use it, you can administer the lifesaving drug while you wait for emergency responders to arrive.
The following websites provide instruction for how to use/administer Narcan:
- American Medical Association: “How to Administer Naloxone” [5] (2:40 animation seen above).
- Centers for Disease Control: “How to Use Naloxone [6]” (31-second video).
- New York Department of Health: “How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray [7]” (2-page PDF with illustrations).
We all need to educate ourselves. Visit the Fentanyl Information for Families [1]. Know the signs and symptoms of opioid use and be prepared to act.