Learn how to recognise the signs of an opioid overdose and respond confidently in an emergency with our fully online American Red Cross Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Administration course.
Course Fee
Duration
Certificate
Whether you’re looking to improve workplace safety, protect your family or prepare for emergencies in your community, this course provides practical, life-saving knowledge that could make a critical difference during an opioid overdose.
The opioid overdose and Naloxone administration course is perfect for:
Everything you need to know about the course, all in one place.
60 minutes
100% online
$40
American Red Cross Certificate
Learn anytime, at your own pace
No previous experience needed
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Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere—at home, in the workplace, in public spaces or within the community. Acting quickly during those first few minutes can be the difference between life and death, making it essential to recognise the warning signs and know how to respond safely.
This course provides practical guidance on recognising opioid overdoses, understanding how opioids affect breathing and the central nervous system, and taking the appropriate steps while emergency medical services are on the way. You'll learn when naloxone should be administered, why it works, and why emergency medical care is still required even if the person appears to recover.
Alongside overdose recognition, the course covers essential emergency response skills, including assessing responsiveness, supporting breathing, providing rescue breaths or CPR when appropriate, and placing someone in the recovery position after naloxone has been administered.
Know the signs. Act fast. Save a life. Follow these five critical steps.
Recognise the Signs
Check for signs including unconsciousness, slow or absent breathing, pinpoint pupils, and blue or grey lips or fingernails. If you suspect an opioid overdose, act immediately.
Call 911
Treat every suspected overdose as a medical emergency and contact emergency services immediately.
Administer Naloxone
If naloxone is available, administer it as instructed while continuing to monitor the individual.
Provide Rescue Breathing or CPR
Support breathing and begin CPR if required until the person responds or emergency responders arrive.
Stay With the Person
Continue monitoring them, administer a second dose of naloxone if required, and remain with them until medical professionals take over.
Everything you need to know about Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Administration Certification in California.
This course is suitable for anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to an opioid overdose. It is particularly valuable for workplace safety teams, teachers, coaches, security personnel, community organisations, family members, caregivers, hospitality staff, and anyone who may encounter an overdose emergency. No previous medical experience is required.
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. It can quickly restore normal breathing in someone experiencing an overdose, but emergency medical services should always be called, as its effects may wear off before the opioids leave the body.
No. This course is specifically designed for members of the public as well as professionals. The training explains overdose response in clear, easy-to-follow language, giving you the confidence to act safely during an emergency without requiring a medical background.
Yes. The Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Administration course is completed entirely online, allowing you to learn whenever and wherever it’s convenient. You can work through the material at your own pace using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Most learners complete the course in around one hour, although you can progress at your own pace and revisit the material whenever you need to.
Yes. After successfully completing the course and any required assessment, you’ll receive an American Red Cross certificate confirming your completion of the Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Administration course.
Yes. The course explains when naloxone should be used, the different forms available, how it is administered, and what steps to take after giving the medication. It also covers why it’s essential to call 911 and continue monitoring the person until emergency responders arrive.
The course introduces when rescue breathing and CPR may be required during an opioid overdose and how they fit into the overall emergency response. However, it is not a full CPR certification course. If you’re looking for comprehensive CPR training, we also offer American Heart Association and American Red Cross CPR certification courses.
Your certificate demonstrates successful completion of the training. Unlike professional CPR certifications, renewal requirements may vary depending on your employer or organisation. We recommend refreshing your knowledge regularly to stay up to date with current overdose response guidance and best practices.
Knowing how to recognise an opioid overdose and respond quickly could make a life-saving difference. Complete your online training today and gain the confidence to act when every second counts.