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Opioid overdose kits can save lives. When these kits are easy to find, and more people know how to use them, it can be easier to respond quickly during an overdose emergency.
Learning what an opioid overdose kit is, who should have one, and how to use it can help families and communities prepare for an overdose emergency.
An opioid overdose kit is a grab-and-go emergency supply kit designed to help save lives during a suspected opioid overdose. These kits give bystanders the tools and information they need to respond quickly while waiting for emergency medical help to arrive.
The most important item in an opioid overdose kit is naloxone. Naloxone is an easy-to-use, life-saving medication that can:
Naloxone is available as a nasal spray or an injectable medication.
Because the effects of naloxone are temporary, it’s important to call 911 immediately, even if the person wakes up or starts breathing normally again.
Some organizations provide preassembled opioid overdose kits, but you can also create your own. The two most important items are naloxone and instructions for how to use it. Beyond that, kits can be simple and may vary based on available supplies and local needs.
Naloxone is available at many pharmacies without a prescription. It may also be available free of charge through local health departments, harm reduction programs, and community-based organizations. A pharmacist or healthcare provider may be able to help you find free naloxone in your area.
When creating instructions and other written materials for an opioid overdose kit, consider the languages commonly spoken in your community. Providing materials in multiple languages may help more people respond quickly and confidently during an overdose emergency.
Whether you create your own naloxone kit or use a preassembled one, it's important to check the kit regularly to make sure it's up to date and ready to use in an emergency.
Here are a few tips:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires naloxone to be labeled with an expiration date. It’s best to use naloxone that hasn’t expired. However, in an emergency, if expired naloxone is the only naloxone available, use it and call 911 right away. Expired naloxone may still be effective, and using it is better than not giving naloxone at all.
Replace expired naloxone as soon as possible. Also, store naloxone according to the package instructions. Very hot or freezing temperatures can damage medications and make them less effective.
If you have questions about storing or replacing naloxone, ask a pharmacist, healthcare provider, or local health department for guidance.
An opioid overdose kit can be helpful for anyone who may be in a position to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. This includes people who use opioids, as well as people who spend time with someone who may be at risk of an overdose.
Because overdoses can happen unexpectedly, having a kit nearby can make it easier to act quickly in an emergency.
An opioid overdose kit may be especially useful for:
It’s best to store an opioid overdose kit somewhere easy to access in an emergency, such as:
In schools, workplaces, places of worship, and other community settings where an opioid overdose could happen
To respond quickly to an opioid overdose, make sure the kit is easy to see and reach, and that people know where it’s stored.
Learning how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and preparing for an emergency can help you and others respond quickly and confidently.
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is an important step in helping someone get the emergency medical care they need.
Signs may include:
Someone may also have signs of opioid overmedication before a full overdose occurs. Signs of opioid overmedication may include:
It can feel stressful or scary to try to help someone during a medical emergency. Many states have good Samaritan laws that may provide legal protection for people who call 911 and provide aid during an overdose emergency.
These laws vary by location, so check with local officials or public health agencies to learn about the good Samaritan laws in your area.
Plan what you would do if you thought someone was having an opioid overdose. Have conversations about your emergency plan with friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else who may need to respond so they feel prepared, too.
Here are a few basics to know and share:
Naloxone is safe to give if you think someone might be having an opioid overdose. It reverses opioid effects.
If opioids aren’t the cause, naloxone probably won’t help, but it’s still OK to give it while you call 911.
Even if the person wakes up or seems to be improving, emergency medical care is still needed because the effects of naloxone are temporary.
Some people may need additional doses of naloxone if their symptoms return or don’t improve after the first dose.
If you or someone you care about is living with OUD, talk with a healthcare provider, mental health professional, or outreach program coordinator about:
Even if you never expect to use an opioid overdose kit, being prepared can save lives.
On MyOpioidRecoveryTeam, people share their experiences with opioid use disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What’s in your opioid overdose kit? Let others know in the comments below.
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