Overdose Prevention Page
How to Use Narcan/Naloxone
Intro angle: this page would be a clear, simple action guide for nasal Narcan/naloxone. It should reduce hesitation, encourage people to carry naloxone before they need it, and point visitors to training and local access.
If someone may be overdosing
- Call 911.
- Give Narcan/naloxone if you have it.
- If there is no response after 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose if available.
- Place the person on their side once breathing returns.
- Stay with them until emergency help arrives.
Naloxone is temporary. Call 911 even if the person wakes up.
Quick Answer / At A Glance
Narcan is naloxone
Explain that Narcan is a brand name for naloxone nasal spray.
Use it if overdose is suspected
Naloxone is safe to give when an opioid overdose may be happening.
More than one dose may be needed
Some overdoses may require additional doses while waiting for emergency help.
911 still matters
Symptoms can return after naloxone wears off, and other substances may be involved.
Main Guidance: Nasal Narcan Steps
Act first
Call 911, check response and breathing, and lay the person on their back if it is safe.
Give the dose
Remove Narcan from the package, place the nozzle in one nostril, and press the plunger firmly.
Keep helping
Support breathing if trained or instructed, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes if needed, and stay.
What Narcan Can And Cannot Do
Can do
Temporarily reverse opioid overdose and help restore breathing.
Cannot do
Replace 911, reverse every substance, or guarantee symptoms will not return.
Xylazine note
Xylazine is not an opioid, but naloxone should still be given when overdose is suspected because opioids may also be involved.
Who Should Carry Narcan / Where To Get It
Who should carry it
People using opioids or substances that may contain fentanyl, plus family, roommates, partners, caregivers, schools, workplaces, and public-facing staff.
Hope Council access
Connect to the Public Health Vending Machine, front-desk supply pathways, Narcan training, and risk-reduction services.
How to prepare
Keep it easy to find, tell others where it is, check expiration dates, carry more than one dose when possible, and replace it after use.
Related pages
Signs of Opioid Overdose, After an Overdose, Crisis & Immediate Support, and Fentanyl & Xylazine.
FAQ Examples
How do I use Narcan nasal spray?
This answer would provide a short step list and remind visitors to call 911.
Can Narcan reverse fentanyl overdose?
This answer would explain that naloxone can reverse opioid overdose, including fentanyl, but more than one dose may be needed.
Can Hope Council train my group to use Narcan?
This answer would connect to Hope Council training, speaker request, and prevention education pathways.
Sources And Review
This page would use Wisconsin DHS, CDC, SAMHSA, Hope Council Prevention & Risk-Reduction, and package/training guidance before publishing.
Last reviewed: to be added before launch; instructions should be confirmed with qualified staff.