A recent phone call between Stephanie Hanson, BSN, RN, and Eric Weber ended up saving a life. Here is how it transpired.
Hanson is a quality improvement director for Great Plains Quality Innovation Network and a program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC). Eric Weber is the chief executive officer for the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) in Sioux Falls.
Hanson shared, “I had contacted Eric on infectious disease precautions at congregate living facilities. During our conversation, we addressed many topics related to COVID- 19, quarantine and isolation. Because of my work with the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (GPQIN) on opioid abuse, I asked Eric about his familiarity with and access to Naloxone. I also explained how he could get Naloxone at the local pharmacy.”
Naloxone (or Narcan) is a medication used for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. A standing order makes the medication available through the pharmacy without a prescription. It is an effective solution for reversing the impact of an opioid overdose and legal for anyone to have and use in an emergency.
Weber acted on Hanson’s recommendation.
“The day that I got it (Narcan) I was thinking, ‘I can keep it for an emergency’. The next morning, I used Narcan for the first time ever.”
“I saw a guy laying in our back alley that was non-responsive. I tried to get the gentleman up by rubbing his chest and yelling and saying, ‘Hey, guy, get up! Let’s go! You can’t sleep here.’ Then I found out he wasn’t sleeping. He was actually out.
So, I got out the Narcan, called 911, and started to spray and pray! After about two minutes, which seemed like forever, I had movement, and then the police department showed up and did what they do best. They took over and was able to get him to medical care.”
I want to make sure my team can be trained and be able to notice what is going on in an overdose situation, what to do, and how to handle it! I’m nothing special, but just doing what I’m called to do: love God, love people, and help as best I can!“
The Union Gospel Mission is the largest emergency shelter in the Sioux Falls area offering the following services.
- Shelter and meals for an average of 125 men, women, and children each night
- Resident addiction recovery program
- Weekly distribution of an average of 900 food boxes
Hanson added, “This story and how this situation played out warms my heart. I am so happy that I took that extra time to explain how to obtain Narcan. I knew this was important considering the services offered by Union Gospel Mission. However, the real hero of this story is Eric. The fact that he took the initiative and followed up on the opportunity to obtain Narcan at his facility is incredible. He demonstrated his love for the Lord by being the hands and feet for Jesus. However that looks for each of us, I hope we can each take that extra step to help and serve others in the work we do. Every life matters.”
More on Naloxone
Over 250 drug-related deaths occur every day in the United States, and the opioid epidemic continues to be a major public health concern. However, there is hope for saving lives with the use of Naloxone, as it has been proven to reverse opioid overdoses. To help educate the public on how to administer Naloxone, a training video has been created for anyone who is interested in learning more. The video covers the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, different administration techniques, and Good Samaritan Laws in North Dakota and South Dakota.
“We all have a moral obligation to be prepared to administer naloxone in the event of an overdose. Our goal in offering this video is to prepare anyone who wants to save a life. Watching this video will help you feel comfortable with administering naloxone in an emergency. The risk of being unprepared in the event of an opioid overdose can result in loss of life. The risk of giving naloxone when it may not be needed with an unresponsive individual is negligible,” shared Carrie Sorenson, PharmD, Great Plains Quality Improvement Advisor.
After completing the training video, a QR code/link is provided to access a Naloxone Training Knowledge Check. A Certificate of Completion will be provided once the Knowledge Check is submitted. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about how Naloxone can save lives. Contact a member of our Great Plains QIN Team for assistance or more information.
Want more information about opioids? Listen to our Podcast I Q-Tips For Your Ears
Episode 7 – The Truth About Opioids: Opioids are medications prescribed by providers to treat persistent or severe pain. More than two million Americans misuse opioids and more than 90 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. Who is impacted and what can you or your community do to help reduce opioid misuse? Take a few minutes to listen and learn more.
Additional resources on substance use disorder can be found on the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network website.