Memorandum #165—Narcan Administration Policy

Original Date of Issue: November 14, 2023
Approved by: President
Policyholder: Director, Public Safety and Security

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to establish procedures regulating the utilization of intranasal Narcan (naloxone) by trained personnel within Community College of Philadelphia. The objective is to treat and reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from opioid-involved overdoses whenever College employees are the first to arrive at the scene of a suspected overdose.

This Policy will be implemented through the Narcan Program (the “Program”). Subject to this Policy and procedures and protocols developed and instituted by the Program, College employees who have completed the Narcan Training Course facilitated by the College may administer Narcan to an individual undergoing, or believed to be undergoing, an opioid drug overdose.

This Policy does not authorize or include the use of injectable forms of naloxone.

II. DEFINITIONS

Opioid: A medication or drug that is derived from the opium poppy or that mimics the effect of an opiate. Opioid drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress activity of the central nervous system; these will reduce pain, induce sleep, and in overdose, will cause people to stop breathing. First responders often encounter opiates in the form of morphine, methadone, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Opioid Overdose: An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes more of an opioid than their body can handle, and their breathing slows until it stops.

Naloxone/Narcan: Naloxone is a prescription medication that can be used to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. It is marketed under various trademarks, including Narcan®. Narcan is administered via an intranasal spray. Naloxone is available in Pennsylvania from pharmacists without a prescription under a statewide standing order. For purposes of this Policy, Narcan is the only form of naloxone that may be administered by the College’s employees and authorized contractors.

Narcan Training Course: The College will schedule and facilitate training sessions on the use of Narcan to participants in the Narcan Program. College employees must complete the training provided by the College in order to participate in the Program.

Overdose Rescue Kit: At minimum, an Overdose Rescue Kit should include the following:

• Two (2) 4mg Narcan Nasal Spray in 0.1 ml units.
• One (1) pair of medical gloves.
• Information pamphlet with overdose prevention information and step-by-step instructions for overdose responses and Narcan administration. 

III. PROCEDURES

The Director of Public Safety and Security shall be the Narcan Program Coordinator. The Narcan Program Coordinator shall be responsible for:

1. establishing all procedures and protocols for the implementation of the Narcan Administration Policy, including procedures and protocols for the administration of Narcan by the College’s personnel or authorized contractors when encountering a suspected Opioid Overdose;
2. coordinating and implementing all training for personnel participating in the Narcan Program, including initial, supplemental, and refresher training, as required, and maintaining records of all such training;
3. implementing the proper inventory controls and safeguards for all Narcan issued to the College;
4. overseeing the deployment and distribution of Overdose Rescue Kits;
5. maintaining administrative records regarding the College’s use of Narcan; and
6. conducting an annual audit of the College’s administration and inventory of Narcan.

IV. ELIGIBLE AND PARTICIPATING EMPLOYEES; TRAINING

All Public Safety personnel are required to receive training in the administration of Narcan and are required participants in the Narcan Program.

All other College faculty and staff are eligible and may, only upon completion of the Narcan Training Course, participate in the Narcan Program.

Specific requirements for training shall be determined by the Narcan Program Coordinator.

Other departments or programs that wish to conduct Narcan training must coordinate with the Narcan Program Coordinator and the Office of Public Safety.