PRINCETON – The American Red Cross has launched First Aid for Opioid Overdoses, an online course to teach people how to respond to a known or suspected opioid overdose.
“An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency,” stated Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region in a release Nov. 1. “When you suspect an opioid overdose, it’s important to start providing care immediately and knowing what to do can help save someone’s life.”
The 45-minute online course contains content on how to identify the signs and symptoms of a suspected opioid overdose and the appropriate care to provide based on the responsiveness of the person.
Information about how to use several different naloxone products – including a nasal atomizer, Narcan® Nasal Spray and EVZIO® – to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose is also included.
People can register and access the course at redcross.org/TakeAClass (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/opioidoverdose). Because an opioid overdose can lead to cardiac arrest, people are also encouraged to take a Red Cross CPR/AED course.
The Red Cross has also prepared guidance on opioid use and overdose response for those working in the organization’s shelters during disasters. Recently, these efforts empowered a Red Cross volunteer to help save the life of a person in a shelter during Hurricane Florence.
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