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Plan-It S.A.F.E.R.
Fentanyl Awareness
The basics of overdose prevention
The following page covers information related to preventing, recognizing, and reversing fentanyl overdose
What is fentanyl?
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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. It can be up to 100x more potent than morphine.
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In medical settings, fentanyl is used to treat severe pain. It's often prescribed to cancer patients.
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In recent years, illegally manufactured fentanyl has shown up more and more in fake pills, cocaine, heroin, meth, and MDMA.
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Fentanyl poisoning has become a major concern among people who use drugs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and your community safer.
Preventing Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl Testing Strips
Fentanyl is tasteless and odorless. It's also undetectable through sight or touch.
Luckily, there's a tool capable of detecting even trace amounts of the substance.
The Chocolate Chip Cookie Effect
Like chocolate chips in a cookie, fentanyl may not be evenly distributed throughout a drug. The more of the drug you test, the more reliable the result will be.
Properly using a fentanyl test strip significantly reduces one's risk of accidental overdose. Here's how it's done!
Recognizing Fentanyl Overdose
Recognize any of these symptoms? Acting quickly could save someone's life!
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What is Narcan?
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Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is known as an opioid antagonist.
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Narcan blocks the brain's opioid receptors, reversing an opioid overdose for 30-90 minutes.
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Narcan cannot get you high and has no addictive potential.
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Narcan is completely harmless.
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If it's administered to somebody who isn't overdosing, they'll experience zero side effects​.
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As of 2023, Narcan is available for purchase over the counter in all 50 states!
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Carrying Narcan can help you save a life!
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Order a Plan-It Pack from the Office of Health Promotion today to get two doses of Narcan for free.
Responding to Fentanyl Overdose
1
Check for responsiveness
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Gently shake the person and call their name.
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If they don't respond, try using a sternum rub.
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With the edge of your knuckles, grind into their chest bone for 5-10 seconds​.
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If they respond to this painful stimulus, that means they're not overdosing, so there's no need for Narcan.
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If there is still no response, time to move on to step two.
2
Administer Narcan
No breathing? No problem!
Active breathing isn't required for naloxone to be effective.
3
Call 911
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Describe the person's symptoms in detail over the phone.
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Keep in mind that using terms such as 'drugs' and 'overdose' may slow down emergency response time​.
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Follow the operator's directions to the best of your ability.
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You may be instructed to perform chest compressions, rescue breaths​, or administer additional doses of Narcan.
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If the person is breathing, place them onto their side in recovery position.
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This position clears the airway and prevents someone from choking if they need to throw up​.
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TIP: If there are other people who are willing/able to help, recruit someone to help you complete steps 2 and 3 at the same time.
4
Wait for help to arrive
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Was there underage/illicit substance consumption happening at the scene? Worried about getting in legal trouble? Don't let that stop you from seeking help!
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Because you are acting in good faith to save a life, you and the person you're calling for are protected from legal prosecution by The Good Samaritan Law.
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Make sure to site the law when you're on the phone with the authorities! ​
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