Maryville is taking proactive steps to address the opioid crisis by implementing NARCAN® training across the organization and making it available to the wider community. By educating staff, clients and local residents on how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses, Maryville is helping to expand access to this life-saving medication. This initiative underscores Maryville’s ongoing commitment to public health and safety, empowering more individuals to take action in critical situations.
NARCAN is a treatment that can quickly reverse the
effects of an opioid overdose.
What increases the risk of overdose?
- Mixing opioids with other substances
- A recent release from a residential program
- or incarceration
- Discharge from emergency medical care after an
- opioid overdose
- Chronic medical conditions
- Switching between prescription medications
The following signs and symptoms may indicate an opioid overdose emergency:
- Unusual sleepiness or unable to awaken
- Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Pupils are tiny
- Breathing will be slow or not present
- Skin feels cold or clammy
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Nails and lips are blue
How Can We Help?
If you suspect an overdose, follow these steps:
- Try to wake the person by rubbing the center of their chest (sternum) with knuckles.
- Call 911 and administer NARCAN. Complete whichever action is quicker first!
- After administering, lay the person on their side in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent them from choking.
- If symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 minutes, administer another dose of NARCAN.
- If the person is not breathing, complete rescue breathing until help arrives.
NARCAN is safe and effective. Every second counts; death can occur as soon as 4 to 6
minutes if a person stops breathing. Anyone in Illinois can be trained to administer
Narcan. It will not hurt someone who has not taken opioids.
