As overdoses surge, here’s where to get Narcan and how to use it to help save a life
Thousands of people in Whatcom County are asking for Narcan nasal sprays that can save someone who’s overdosing on an opioid drug such as oxycodone, heroin or fentanyl, according to officials with Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services and the county Department of Health and Community Services.
Many local residents are not only getting the free kits, but they are also learning how to use them, EMS training specialist Steve Cohen told The Bellingham Herald.
“High demand? Yes there is. I trained 99 people last month,” Cohen said in an interview.
“It’s in the news every day, and on social media. Here in Whatcom County, the population cares about helping people,” he said.
Over the past year, Health Department officials gave away more than 5,300 two-dose kits containing Narcan and the county’s EMS agency has given away about 500 kits, officials said.
It takes as little as 10 minutes to learn how to use Narcan, Cohen said.
How to give Narcan
If you see someone who you think has overdosed, Cohen suggests handling the emergency like this:
▪ Take quick look around. Is the area safe? Look for weapons, broken glass, needles or people who seem threatening.
▪ Call 911, or ask someone else to do that.
▪ Look at the person’s mouth and chest. Are they breathing more than 12 times a minute?
▪ If they are unconscious and not breathing, insert the Narcan device into one nostril and push the plunger.
▪ Lay the person flat and start hands-only CPR by placing one hand over the other in the center of the person’s chest. Push down hard and fast. Aim for a depth of 2 inches for an adult, at the tempo of the song “Stayin’ Alive.”
▪ If there’s no change after 90 seconds to 2 minutes, give a second dose of Narcan and continue CPR if necessary.
▪ Keep going with CPR if necessary until firefighters to arrive, and tell them what you saw and did.
Afterward, Cohen said that the rescuer should take time to calm themselves and talk to a friend or relative about the experience.
“If you feel anxious afterward, that’s all normal. More than likely, you did everything right. Drink some water. Take a walk. Talk to someone,” he said.
Get free Narcan
▪ To pick up a free Narcan kit in Bellingham, contact Cohen by email at SCohen@co.whatcom.wa.us or use the Health Department’s online request form. Cohen can provide a quick training.
▪ Narcan kits are provided free by mail through the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance.
