“Security is not a product, but a process."
- Bruce Schneier
Modern security equipment and gear are designed to help security professionals complete their job to the highest possible standard. But there is a lot more to the tools and techniques that Security Officers use daily to keep our communities safe and make the world a friendlier place. That includes an essential life-saving tool when it comes to opioid overdoses: Naloxone.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist. It targets the same receptors that the opioids bind with to produce the effects of lessening pain and the additional symptoms seen in overdose situations. The naloxone will bind with greater affinity to those receptors and essentially “bump” the opioids off. As 
a result, it can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid intoxication and ultimately reverse respiratory depression and unresponsiveness. Naloxone is available over the counter in either injectable or nasal spray form. Many of our Security Officers are trained on how to use both.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter Naloxone Nasal Spray, which paves the way for having it more readily available in easy to access places, like gas-stations and grocery stores.
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s talk a bit more about what an opioid overdose entails.
Opioid Overdose
Opioids are a class of drugs that affect the opioid receptors in the brain and produce a morphine-like effect. Frequently prescribed for pain relief, they can also suppress diarrhea and coughs.
Common examples of opioids include morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl. These drugs are marketed under names such as Vicodin®, OxyContin® and Percocet®.
Side effects, which are magnified when too much of the drug is taken, include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Euphoria
Opioids are a common drug of abuse among recreational users due to their euphoric side effects.
At PalAmerican, we invest in our Security Officers, equipping them with the best-in-class training and knowledge so they can respond to these kinds of situations in the most professional and responsible way. Dealing with opioid overdoses might be a common task in a Security Officer's career. So how do we know if someone is suffering from an overdose? Here are some key signs and symptoms that can help us recognize one.
Signs and Symptoms of a Suspected Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose will display some or all of the following signs and symptoms:
- A scene survey or history of the incident indicating potential drug use
- Excessive drowsiness or loss of consciousness
- Slow or absent breathing
- Cool, sweaty skin that is pale or bluish (cyanosis)
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Constricted pupils (“pinpoint pupils”)
Recognizing an overdose is one thing, but how do trained security professionals act and respond when they witness one? These are some of the first aid steps involving naloxone and the SAVE ME protocol.
"SAVE ME" First-Aid Steps
First aid for an opioid overdose is a combination of rescue breathing and administration of naloxone (if trained and available). Rescue breathing is the 
same as breaths delivered during CPR, except without chest compressions. Deliver one breath every five seconds, ensuring the chest rises.
If you suspect the casualty is having an overdose, follow these first-aid steps:
- Perform a scene survey. Make sure the area is safe for you to be in - be aware of risks from people in the area as well as drug paraphernalia.
- Use SAVE ME to remember the steps:
- S - Stimulate. Shake, shout, and activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- A - Airway. Open the airway
- V - Ventilate. Deliver one breath every 5 seconds, ensuring the chest rises
- E - Evaluate. Are these steps helping?
- M - Medication. If available and trained on its application, prepare and deliver a dose of naloxone.
- E - Evaluate. Did the naloxone help? You should see improvement within 2-3 minutes.
If a person is not breathing, begin CPR. Rescue breaths are delivered to assist a casualty having an overdose if they are breathing on their own, but at a lower rate.
Check local protocols if naloxone is delivered before or after rescue breaths/CPR started.
When possible, have another rescuer perform rescue breaths while you prepare and deliver a dose of naloxone. If there is no improvement after two to three minutes, deliver a second dose of naloxone.
Caution: naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, which may cause the casualty to become aggressive or combative; or cause a seizure, vomiting, and a fast heart rate. Ensure your safety and be prepared to assist with these other conditions if they happen.
Naloxone FAQ
What is the difference between Narcan® and Naloxone?
They are the same thing. Narcan is a trading name for naloxone (like Advil vs. ibuprofen)
Which is better, the spray or the injection?
Both are effective in dealing with a suspected opioid overdose. Speak with your pharmacist for more information.
What happens if naloxone is given when it is not an opioid overdose?
Nothing. Naloxone, similar to epinephrine, will not adversely affect someone who does not need it.
Note: Every medication has the potential to cause an adverse reaction to it. If there is any suspicion of overdose, use naloxone. However, do not use it for things not intended (i.e. heart attacks).
Is a single dose of naloxone all that is required? Does the MFR need to give both doses?
In some cases, the type of opioid taken, or the amount of opioid taken, may require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse the symptoms. In all cases of treatment of opioid overdose with Naloxone, Emergency Medical Services must be activated to evaluate the patient and guide ongoing treatment decisions, like transport to the hospital.
What would happen if a patient got a dose of naloxone but hadn't taken an opioid?
Nothing will happen. There are no known adverse effects of someone receiving a dose of naloxone if they have not taken an opioid.
Interested in a Career in Security?
We hope you found these tips and information useful for your security career. If you are looking to join the exciting world of security, here is a guide on how to become a Security Officer and a downloadable template for writing the ideal Security Guard resume.
Interested in starting a meaningful and rewarding career in security? Check out our careers page.
Be sure to listen to The Difference Makers podcast and read our blog to learn more about us and the exciting world of security.
