Fatal overdoses from opioids, and especially fentanyl, are climbing in Washington. This July may have been the worst month for overdoses in almost two years, with 1,031 overdoses reported in 31 days, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Fortunately, Naloxone can prevent an opioid overdose death if it is administered quickly. Emergency responders administered hundreds of doses of Naloxone, and law enforcement and others also used it to save lives.
Naloxone can’t help if no one has any on hand when emergency strikes, though. Here are two things you should know if you are around someone who uses opioids.
1. You won’t be penalized for helping
Washington legislators want everyone to feel safe helping others, so they passed the Good Samaritan Statutes (RCW 69.50.315) to protect people who lend a hand in an emergency, even though it isn’t their job. This law states that you can call emergency services for help if you are with someone who overdosed, and you and the affected person are protected from drug charges. You can call for medical assistance without legal repercussions, so don’t hesitate to dial 911!
2. You can carry Naloxone with you
If you are among people who use opioids, you’ll want to do this, too: Call Kelley Lovelace at West Sound at 360-876-9430 and ask for Naloxone. We provide it to people who request it, free of charge and no questions asked! Kelley can make sure that you have what you need. Once you’re prepared, you can administer the nasal spray/injection after an opioid overdose and save someone’s life.
More information, including instructions for administering Naloxone, is on our webpage.
