Opioid Overdose Prevention

What are opioids?

Opioids are a family of substances that have pain relieving effects. Opioids are depressant drugs, which means that they slow down basic functions in the body like heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. They can also produce euphoria, an experience of pleasure. Opioids can be either natural or synthetic, and are available through both prescription and unregulated sources. Examples of opioids include:

• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Morphine
• Methadone
• Percodan (Percocet)
• Codeine

What is an overdose?

“Overdose” is a term used to describe when a person consumes too much of a substance (or combination of substances) than the body can handle, and basic life functions (e.g. breathing) cannot be controlled. It implies that a person knows what the dose of the substance is and chooses to take too much. In Peterborough, and across Canada, the street drug supply is unpredictable and people are often unaware of how much of a substance, or what substance they may be consuming. Many health agencies are now using “drug poisoning” instead of overdose to more accurately reflect the current context.

Anyone can overdose – those with lots of experience using opioids, those who are new to using opioids, and everyone in-between.

Learn more through Peterborough Public Health.

Signs of Opioid Overdose

• Can’t wake the person up
• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
• Body is very limp
• Pupils are very small

Naloxone

Naloxone is used as an antidote to opioid overdose as it can reverse its effects and prevent brain damage or even death.

Research shows that with minimal training, people with no medical background can recognize and treat an overdose with naloxone. Additionally, individuals are empowered by the ability to save a life and approaches like this help reduce stigma towards people who use drugs. The use of naloxone does not replace the need for emergency medical care, but instead prolongs the time that the individual has before long-term effects are irreversible.

Naloxone Overdose Prevention Kits are an evidence-based approach proven to have positive benefits and are sought after by our communities. In order to effectively treat opioid addiction, we must help ensure that the individuals who use opioids are alive to receive treatment.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction measures help people who use substances to use them in a way that decreases their chances of the potentially negative outcomes. Help decrease the chances of overdose by following these steps:

1. Use with a friend
   Try to avoid using at the same time in case one of you needs help. Also, do not share needles or other equipment.
2. Avoid mixing substances
   Risk of overdose goes up when more than one drug is used, especially when opioids are mixed with alcohol or benzos. Try to use one drug at a time.
3. Do a tester and ask around
   Substance quality and potency can change a lot depending on where it comes from (even from dealers you know). Monitor how the substance tastes, smells and looks – is it different than usual? Try a small test amount first, you can always use more.
4. Know your tolerance
   If you haven’t used for a while (3 days or more), your body can’t handle the same amount as before. Use less at one time.
5. Have a plan
   Talk about overdose before it happens and with people you trust. Let someone know before you use and ask them to check on you.
6. Have naloxone on site
   Have at least one naloxone kit with you while using any illicit substance. Naloxone only helps with opioid overdose, but opioids are being found in many non-opioid drugs. More information about where to find a naloxone kit.

Overdose Response Myths

PDS Factsheets

• Opioid Fact Sheet* (PDS, 2018)
• Fentanyl Fact Sheet* (PDS, 2018)
• Naloxone Myths Fact Sheet* (PDS, 2018)
• Treatment Fact Sheet* (PDS, 2019)

Opioid Response Protocols in Workplaces

• Developing an Opioid Overdose Response Protocol: Information for Workplaces* (PDS, 2018)
• Post this sign in your bathroom to remind staff, clients or patrons how to identify an overdose and that naloxone is available onsite* (PDS, 2018) High Resolution | Low Resolution

How to Access Naloxone

• How to access naloxone in Peterborough (PDS and PPH, 2023)*
• Where individuals in Ontario can access naloxone in their community (Government of Ontario)

*All PDS authored resources may be utilized or adapted to the needs of individual groups or agencies without permission. Please include reference to the PDS as the original author and the original year of publication.

Get Trained to Respond to an Overdose at Your Workplace

Are you concerned about responding to a possible overdose at your workplace? Learn more and register for upcoming training sessions on understanding opioids and administering naloxone by visiting the Question of Care Training Calendar.

Should Your Organization Carry Naloxone in Your First Aid Kit?

Responding to an Opioid Overdose at Work

Develop Policies and Procedures to Ensure Employees Are Informed When They Respond to an Overdose

• Developing an Opioid Overdose Response Protocol: Information for Workplaces (PDS, 2018)
• Post this sign in your bathroom to remind staff, clients or patrons how to identify an overdose and that naloxone is available onsite* (PDS, 2018) High Resolution | Low Resolution

Risks of Responding to an Opioid Overdose at Work

The risk of inadvertent exposure to fentanyl for staff responding to an opioid overdose in their workplace is extremely low. Routine precautions and overdose prevention training are sufficient for managing the risk of unintended fentanyl exposure while responding.*

*Ministry of Health, British Columbia. (2017). Guidance statement regarding Personal Protective Equipment for Emergency Medical Services and Health Care Workers dealing with overdose victims. Retrieved from: https://www.fentanylsafety.com/wp/content/uploads/UpdatedGuidance-statement-PPE-EMS-HCW-Jan2017.pdf