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Inside Naloxone Kits: The Tools Saving Lives in Opioid Emergencies

A closer look at what is inside and how they save lives

These small kits save lives every day, reversing opioid overdoses in minutes.

peabodyproductions/Flickr

A few weeks ago, I visited the hospital and while I was using the washroom, I saw a poster inside that read “Naloxone: It could save a life.” That caught my curiosity, and I wanted to know more about it.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication designed to quickly reverse opioid overdose. Naloxone kits are used in emergency situations to revive individuals who have overdosed on opioids. Naloxone Kits are available for free at most of the pharmacies in the Church-Wellesley Village area in downtown Toronto.

The Naloxone kit is user-friendly and designed for anyone to administer without medical training. A typical naloxone kit contains nasal spray devices, or injectable forms with syringes and vials that allow users to prepare and administer the medication quickly and efficiently. Instructions for use are included, emphasizing its critical role in slowing down breathing difficulties and potential death caused by opioids.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside a naloxone kit and how it works, here’s a closer look at its essential components:

Inside Naloxone Kits

Naloxone (Intranasal & Intramuscular)

Naloxone is usually provided in one of two forms: a nasal spray or an injectable solution with vials and syringes.

Intranasal naloxone is provided as a ready-to-use nasal spray, eliminating the need for additional assembly.

Intramuscular naloxone is supplied in vials alongside syringes and needles, allowing users to draw the medication and inject it directly into a muscle.

Instructions

Every naloxone kit typically contains a clearly written set of instructions on how to administer naloxone safely and effectively, often including diagrams for clarity. It is important so anyone can administer it without any experience.

Face Shield

A CPR mask or face shield is included to allow for safe mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It provides a barrier between the person administering CPR and the person who may have a respiratory illness or potential infectious disease.

Some of what you can find in a Naloxone kit.

Dr. James Heilman, MD/Wikimedia

Alcohol Swabs

These are included to sterilize the injection site before administering an intramuscular injection of naloxone.

Gloves

Disposable non-latex gloves are included to ensure hygiene and safety while administering the naloxone. It helps reduce the risk of exposure to bodily fluids.

Case/Pouch

The kit is usually packaged in a small, durable case or pouch to keep all the components together and accessible.

Expiration Date Information

The date of expiration is provided in each kit to enable everyone to know the status of the kit they are administering.

Contact Information

There will be a card that identifies the person who is trained to give the naloxone. Also, sometimes there is contact information for local emergency services or instructions to call 911 after administering naloxone.

Naloxone kits save lives, but they are just one part of the broader effort to combat the opioid crisis. Access to these kits, combined with education, harm reduction services, and community support, can help make a meaningful difference in preventing overdoses and supporting those affected by substance use.