Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration Course

This course focuses on understanding what opioids are and why overdoses occur. Opioids include prescription pain medications as well as illegal substances. The course explains how opioids affect the body by slowing breathing, sometimes to the point where a person stops breathing entirely. That’s why overdose emergencies are so dangerous—and why fast response is essential.

One of the most important skills taught in the course is how to recognize the common signs of an opioid overdose. These signs may include slow or stopped breathing, pale or clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, choking or gurgling sounds, and a person who cannot be awakened. Many overdoses can look similar to other medical issues, but the key difference is that the person’s breathing becomes dangerously weak. When in doubt, it’s always better to treat the situation as an emergency and call for help immediately.

A major highlight of the American Red Cross training is learning how to use naloxone, a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is not addictive, and it does not produce a “high.” Instead, it helps restore normal breathing by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. The course teaches when naloxone is appropriate, how quickly it can work, and what to expect after it is administered.

Participants learn step-by-step how to respond to an overdose situation safely. This includes checking the scene for hazards, wearing gloves if available, and calling 911 right away. The training covers how to assess responsiveness, monitor breathing, and provide rescue breaths or CPR if needed. Even if naloxone is available, it is still critical to involve emergency medical professionals, because naloxone may wear off before the opioid does, and the person could slip back into an overdose.

The course also explains the different forms of naloxone, including intranasal spray and other delivery methods. You’ll learn how to properly administer it, how to position the person for safety, and how to continue care until help arrives. If the individual begins breathing again, recovery positioning and close monitoring are essential because vomiting or confusion may follow.

Another valuable part of the American Red Cross Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration Course is its focus on preparedness and prevention. Students are encouraged to learn how to create an emergency response plan for their household or workplace. This may include knowing where naloxone is stored, training multiple people, and discussing how to respond without panic. The course also reinforces that overdose can affect people from all backgrounds, and compassion is an important part of effective response.

This training is especially helpful for teachers, coaches, childcare providers, security staff, community leaders, and families who want practical life-saving skills. Businesses and organizations can also benefit from training employees, especially in public-facing settings where emergencies can occur unexpectedly.

Ultimately, the American Red Cross Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration Course gives people the tools to take action during one of today’s most urgent public health emergencies. When you know what to look for, how to respond, and how to administer naloxone correctly, you can make a real difference. Being prepared isn’t just about learning information—it’s about being ready to help someone survive long enough to receive advanced care and get another chance at recovery.