ES5000 - Opioid Overdose Prevention

1. At DMACC, the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a top priority.  The College proactively provides a safe environment for our students and employees to learn and work.

2. In accordance with Iowa Code 657-39.8(155A) the DMACC procedure for Opioid Overdose Prevention has been developed and implemented.  DMACC will maintain written procedures, including emergency procedures that identify individuals trained for the proper use and administration of opioid antagonists, such as Naloxone nasal spray, to effectively treat and attempt to reduce any fatalities associated with opioid drug-related overdoses.

PURPOSE:

1. The purpose of this Procedure is to establish and communicate the College’s procedures regarding opioid overdose prevention and the administration of Naloxone nasal spray.

DEFINITIONS:

1. Naloxone hydrochloric nasal spray (Narcan):  Used for the treatment of an opioid emergency or a possible opioid drug-related overdose with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.  Naloxone nasal spray is advised for use to reverse the effects of opioids temporarily and the manufacturer states that it does not affect people who are not taking opioid medicines or drugs.  Naloxone nasal spray is in a class of medications called opioid antagonists.

2. Drug-related overdose: A condition including any of the following: (1) the person is in need of medical assistance; (2) the person displays symptoms including but not limited to extreme physical illness, pinpoint pupils, decreased level of consciousness including coma, or respiratory depression; and, (3) the person’s condition is the result of, or a prudent layperson would reasonably believe such condition to be the result of, the consumption or use of a substance, legal or illegal.

DESIGNATED INDIVIDUALS:

1. The DMACC Director of Public Safety will oversee the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.  The Director of Public Safety will also, among other things, maintain a list of trained individuals, locations of Naloxone in addition to the Public Safety Department, and the expiration dates of the Naloxone so that products can be replaced as needed.

2. Public Safety Officers certified in First Aid and CPR/AED will also be trained in administering Naloxone nasal spray.  Only those officers at DMACC who have completed the department approved training and any required refresher training will be authorized to administer Naloxone nasal spray.

3. Faculty and staff members who have voluntarily received training in administering Naloxone nasal spray may be available to respond to emergency situations. These individuals, acting in good faith, are protected by Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law. Only those faculty and staff members who have completed training may be designated to administer Naloxone nasal spray.

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL:

1. During an emergency, dial 911 and call Public Safety (515) 964-6500.

2. When a determination has been made that a victim is suffering from a suspected opioid drug-related overdose, a designated individual should call Public Safety and/or administer the Naloxone nasal spray, understanding that time is of the essence.

3. Public Safety should request EMS response, provide victims with treatment, including administering Naloxone nasal spray when appropriate, and assist other medical personnel if they are present.

ADMINISTRATION OF NALOZONE NASAL SPRAY:

1. Public Safety should be the primary responders who administer Naloxone nasal spray.  However, other designated individuals who have been trained may also administer Naloxone nasal spray when needed.

2. Before administering Naloxone nasal spray, call 911 and request immediate medical response, and check for and remove any items that may cause bodily harm, such as weapons, needles, etc. 

3. Additional responders should assist with directing EMS to the scene, assist in providing rescue breathing, as needed, and assist in calming the individual receiving the Naloxone nasal spray.

4. The primary responder who administers the Naloxone nasal spray should note the time and dose(s) given and report that to EMS.

5. In any case, an incident report should be generated by Public Safety documenting the administration of the Naloxone nasal spray and should include:

1. The date and time of the dosage.

2. The name of the victim.

3. The circumstances surrounding the incident, such as the location, how the responder was notified, patient/victim information, list of others involved, etc.

4. Was the dosage effective.

5. Any other intervention provided.

LOCATION OF NALOXONE NASAL SPRAY KITS:

1. A supply of Naloxone nasal spray kits will be maintained in the Public Safety office.  Naloxone nasal spray kits shall also be contained in medical response kits and/or attached to Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units throughout DMACC Campuses.

2. Public Safety officers will also have Naloxone nasal spray kits available in patrol vehicles. 

3. Naloxone nasal spray does have an expiration date.  Public Safety will routinely inspect medical response kits and AED units to ensure that Naloxone nasal spray kits have not expired. 

TRAINING:

1. The Director of Public Safety shall arrange for and schedule a department approved training course for Public Safety officers, covering all aspects of the field use of Naloxone nasal spray.  

2. Campus residential assistants, coaches, and student organization/club employee advisors will also receive training in the administration of Naloxone nasal spray. 

3. Volunteer faculty and staff members will also be properly trained in administering Naloxone nasal spray. Training sessions are ongoing and will continue throughout the academic year.

GOOD SAMARITAN LAW:   

1. Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law (Iowa Code 2023, Section 613.17) encourages those who witness a drug-related overdose to stay and call 911, rather than leaving out of fear of prosecution. Generally, drug-related overdose witnesses, defined as “overdose reporters” under the law, will not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance or possession of drug paraphernalia, if the person makes a good faith effort to seek medical assistance for a drug-related overdose patient.

2. The Good Samaritan Law protects overdose reporters if they are the first person to seek medical assistance for the drug-related overdose victim, provide their contact information to emergency personnel, remain on the scene until assistance is provided, and cooperate with emergency personnel.

PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION:

1. Prevention may include efforts such as education about opioid drug-related overdose and treatment incorporated into existing drug and alcohol prevention programs and student orientation.  Students may be directed to online education materials regarding the distribution and administration of Naloxone nasal spray.

2. Limited distribution of Naloxone nasal spray may occur in circumstances determined by designated individuals for the retention and safety of students.

3. Intervention may also include efforts such as referrals to local community mental health providers.

4. Outreach and support services should also be offered and made available to responders who respond to drug-related overdose incidents.  DMACC has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can be utilized for support. 

Legal Reference:   

Iowa Code 124.418 - Persons seeking medical assistance for drug-related overdose.

Iowa Code 613.17 - Emergency assistance in an accident.

Iowa Code 657.39.8 - Medications administered via prescription.

 

Revised:
October 29, 2024