Preventing Fentanyl and Opioid Overdoses
Like many places across the U.S., King County and Seattle have seen an increase in overdose-associated deaths from fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is stronger than other opioids such as heroin and morphine.
Access to Naloxone/Narcan®
Naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan®) and fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations on campus to help prevent fentanyl- and opioid-related overdose deaths.
- The Grove, located on the first floor in the Health Sciences and Student Resources (HSSR) building
What to Do in an Opioid Overdose
Minutes count in an opioid overdose. If you think someone has overdosed, follow these steps:
- Check for signs of overdose like unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, and pale and cool skin.
- Call 911.
- Give naloxone and rescue breaths.
- If the person wakes up and starts breathing, stay with them. Encourage them to get follow-up medical care.
Administering Naloxone/Narcan®
Administering this medication temporarily counteracts the effects of opioid-related overdose. Watch the videos below.
from on Vimeo.
Using Fentanyl Test Strips
Rapid Response fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if a substance contains fentanyl.
on YouTube.
Good Samaritan Law
Overdose victims and responders have legal protections in Washington State. Anyone trying to help in a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liabilities by RCW 4.24.300. WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law RCW 69.50.315 gives additional, specific protections against drug possession charges. .
Additional Resources
- (video on YouTube)
- (webpage)
- (brochure in PDF format)
Note: this brochures is available in multiple languages at . - (video on YouTube)
- (webpage)
- (webpage)
- (webpage)
This webpage and the information on it is in compliance with Washington state legislation .