RESOURCES

Release date: November 13th, 2023

Guide for Ontario citizens

Eligibility for a free naloxone kit:

• At risk of an opioid overdose

• A family member, friend, or other person able to help someone at risk of an opioid overdose

• A client of a needle exchange program, hepatitis C program, or consumption and treatment service

• Being released from a correctional facility

Locations offering naloxone kits:

Injectable kit contents:

• 1 hard case (for example, a zippered hard black case with a red “naloxone” cross)

• 2 (0.4 mg/1 ml) vials or ampoules (a small glass container) of naloxone

• 2 safety-engineered syringes with 25g, 1” needles attached

• 2 alcohol swabs

• 2 devices (known as “breakers,” "snappers,” or “openers”) for opening ampoules safely

• 1 rescue breathing barrier

• 1 pair of non-latex gloves

• 1 card that identifies the person who is trained to give the naloxone

• 1 insert with instructions (English and French)

Nasal spray kit contents:

• 1 hard case (for example, a zippered hard black case with red “naloxone” cross)

• 2 doses of naloxone hydrochloride intra-nasal spray (4 mg/0.1ml)

• 1 rescue breathing barrier

• 1 pair of non-latex gloves

• 1 card that identifies the person who is trained to give the naloxone

• 1 insert with instructions (English and French)

Procedure once an overdose is suspected:

1. Wake the person by shouting and shaking their shoulders

2. Call 9-1-1 if they are unresponsive

3. Administer naloxone

   • Injectable kit: inject 1 vial or ampoule (a small glass container) (0.4 mg/1 ml) of naloxone into the arm or leg

   • Nasal spray kit: Lay the person on their back, insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, and press the plunger firmly

4. Perform CPR if possible

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 if there are no improvements and remain by the person's side

6. If the person begins breathing on their own, or if you have to leave them on their own, put them in the recovery position.

Important note(s):

• Naloxone has an expiry date  which you may return to your nearest pharmacy

  • Injectable kits: Written on ampules or vials 

  • Nasal spray kit: Written on the nasal spray device