Opioid Overdose Prevention
Understanding how to prevent an overdose and use naloxone, an anti-overdose medication, is now more important than ever. The risk of opioid overdose has increased in recent years, particularly as the potent opioid fentanyl has infiltrated the street drug supply, including stimulants like cocaine and pills that may look like legit prescription pills but are made illegally. This website and campus resources are provided to help you learn how to stay safe and keep others safe from opioid overdose.
An overdose is a medical emergency. If you see someone you suspect is having an overdose, call Campus Police at 508-565-5555 (on campus) or call 911 (off campus) immediately. If you have access to Narcan, administering it could save a life.
Top signs of an opioid overdose
Non-responsive to voice and sternal chest rub (rubbing knuckles over collarbones).
Not breathing; or slow, shallow breaths. May make deep snoring or gurgling sound.
Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils."
How to use Narcan (generic name: naloxone)
1. CALL FOR HELP - Campus Police at 508-565-5555 if on campus, 911 if off campus.
2. Peel open package.
3. Spray naloxone into person’s nostril: Hold spray device with thumb on bottom of red plunger and two fingers around the nozzle — don’t spray until the nozzle is in person’s nostril. Press red plunger firmly to release dose of naloxone into person’s nose.
4. Wait two minutes for it to take effect. Person will start breathing and come to. If not, spray another dose in the other nostril, if you have a second dose of naloxone.
Note: Giving multiple doses of naloxone is sometimes necessary. If fentanyl is involved, because of its strength, overdoses can occur quickly and may require multiple doses of naloxone.
Narcan Trainings
Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to attend Narcan trainings on campus, which are regularly coordinated by the Wellness Office and the local community organization SAFE Zone. These trainings are promoted through email, in the monthly Wellness Newsletter, and on the Health and Wellness Instagram (@stonehillhealthandwellness). If you would like more information about upcoming trainings or are interested in requesting a training for your department, class, student club, etc. please reach out to wellness@stonehill.edu.
Good Samaritan Law and Amnesty Policy
Any attempt to save a life by utilizing Narcan is covered under the Good Samaritan Law, which reads; "Section 13. No person who, in good faith, provides or obtains, or attempts to provide or obtain, assistance for a victim of a crime as defined in section one, shall be liable in a civil suit for damages as a result of any acts or omissions in providing or obtaining, or attempting to provide or obtain, such assistance unless such acts or omissions constitute willful, wanton or reckless conduct."
Additionally, Stonehill's Amnesty Policy reads, "The safety and wellbeing of all Stonehill community members is of paramount concern. As such, all students are expected to seek immediate assistance for themselves or others in situations where help is needed due to intoxication, drug ingestion, or another medical issue and to remain with the individual until help arrives.
Students who seek and receive medical attention generally will not be subject to the Student Conduct Process, as the College will treat the situation as a health and safety matter, rather than a violation of the Community Standards. Students who receive medical attention in such situations may be required to complete certain educational interventions/assessments and will also be subject to all fees related to their medical care. Failure to complete any referrals to resources in an appropriate and timely manner may be treated as a conduct matter. When appropriate, the student’s parents and/or guardians may also be contacted.
Depending upon the circumstances of a particular incident, other students, student groups, or organizations might be required to meet with a designated representative of the College and to complete follow-up steps. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Amnesty does not apply to individuals who are found and confronted by a College official prior to the request for medical assistance. The College also reserves the right to hold students accountable for serious misconduct that accompanies or is incidental to the medical situation, including but not limited to violence, property damage, and distribution of prohibited drugs.
This policy does not exempt students from any criminal, civil, or legal consequences of their behavior."
TLDR: If you administer Narcan to someone suspected of overdosing, you will not be liable for damages, and you will not be punished if you call for help while violating Stonehill's policies (underage drinking, drug use, etc.).
Location of Narcan Access Points on Campus
Narcan is stocked in each AED on campus, and is available for use by anyone.
Description of locations of AEDs stocked with Narcan:
- (1) in Health Services: Front Lobby
- (1) in May Hall: First Floor outside the Restrooms
- (5) in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex (SPOCO)
- (1) First Floor Fitness Center
- (1) Second Floor Weight Rooms
- (1) Field House
- (3) mobile units in Trainer's Room (for athletic events)
- (1) in Merkert Gymnasium: Court
- (3) at the Police Department and (1) unit in each of our Patrol Vehicles
- (2) in Roche Commons Dining Hall and the Hill