Preventing Fentanyl and Opioid Overdoses
Like many places across the U.S., King County and Seattle have seen an increase in overdose-associated deaths from fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is stronger than other opioids, such as heroin and morphine.
Access to Naloxone/Narcan®
Naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan®) and fentanyl test strips are available to help prevent fentanyl- and opioid-related overdose deaths.
Main Campus in West Seattle
- Campus Security (RSB 112 near Library main entrance)
- Wellness Center
Georgetown Campus
- Campus Security (Building C, Room 104)
- Mail Room (Building C, Room 103)
New Holly: Learners Building
- 2nd floor, Room 211
What to Do in an Opioid Overdose
Minutes count in an opioid overdose. If you think someone has overdosed, follow these steps:
- Check for signs of overdose like unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, and pale and cool skin.
- Call 911.
- Give naloxone and rescue breaths.
- If the person wakes up and starts breathing, stay with them. Encourage them to get follow-up medical care.
Administering Naloxone/Narcan®
Administering this medication temporarily counteracts the effects of opioid-related overdose. Watch the videos below.
from on Vimeo.
Using Fentanyl Test Strips
Rapid Response fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if a substance contains fentanyl.
on YouTube.
Good Samaritan Law
Overdose victims and responders have legal protections in Washington State. Anyone trying to help in a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liabilities by RCW 4.24.300. WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law RCW 69.50.315 gives additional, specific protections against drug possession charges. .
Additional Resources
- (video on YouTube)
- (webpage)
- (brochure in PDF format)
Note: this brochures is available in multiple languages at . - (video on YouTube)
- (webpage)
- (webpage)
- (webpage)
This webpage and the information on it is in compliance with Washington state legislation .