Naloxone (NARCAN) Policy

I. SCOPE

This policy applies to the clinical staff of the Wildcat Health Clinic.

 

II. POLICY STATEMENT

The Wildcat Health Clinic shall provide and maintain on-site Naloxone (“NARCAN”). NARCAN is an opioid antagonist used for the treatment of a suspected opioid overdose. Any trained staff member may administer NARCAN during an emergency to any student or staff suspected of having an opioid-related drug overdose.  

 

III. REASON FOR THE POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures governing the utilization of NARCAN administered by the medical staff of the Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcat Health Clinic. 

 

Any employee who is expected to provide emergency care to an individual will complete  training from a NARCAN approved provider.  

Clinical staff administering NARCAN should complete the following:

A. Identify opioid overdose and check for response.

• Altered mental status:
  • Will not wake up or respond to your voice or touch.
  • Doesn't respond to sternal rub.
  Breathing is very slow, irregular, or has stopped
• The center part of their eye is very small or "pinpoint pupils"
• Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray

B. Give NARCAN Nasal Spray

• Hold the NARCAN nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
• 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.
  • Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray.
• There are no contraindications to administering NARCAN

C. Call for emergency medical help

• Get emergency medial help right away.
• Begin CPR if necessary
• Move the person on their side (recovery position) if breathing resumes. 
• Watch the person closely. 
• If the person does not respond by waking up, to voice or touch, or breathing normally, another dose may be given every 2-3 minutes if additional NARCAN Nasal Sprays are available.
• Wait for EMS and police to arrive and provide all relevant information at the scene.

 

V. SANCTIONS

Clinical staff who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Clinical staff who administer NARCAN to a person who has overdosed may face both criminal and civil liability if they do not meet the following requirements:

• Administer NARCAN to a person suffering an overdose
• Contact emergency services
• Remain at the scene until EMS and police arrive
• Cooperate at the scene, providing all relevant information requested by law enforcement.

 

VI. RELATED INFORMATION

IN Code 16-42-27-2 and 16-42-27-3

What is Aaron’s Law (2017)

Naloxone Access and Overdose Good Samaritan Law in Indiana (2018)

Indiana Statewide Standing Order, authorized by I.C. § 16-42-2

 

Standing Order: 

Nasal Naloxone (NARCAN) administration is approved per the physician’s signature below to be performed per Policy by the medical staff of the IWU Wildcat Health Clinic.

Medical Director:

Date: October 5, 2023