Accessing Naloxone at UNE
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is used in emergencies to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing) and unconsciousness. It acts quickly, often within minutes, to restore normal breathing and consciousness to a person experiencing an opioid overdose.
Watch videos about and how to use Naloxone
Nasal spray Naloxone is provided on UNE’s Biddeford and Portland campuses at Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) locations. The naloxone is stored inside of the AED cabinets or in a Naloxbox nearby for use in the event of an opioid overdose on campus. Additional doses are available upon request by contacting the Office of Safety of Security at (207) 602-2298 or security@une.edu.
Naloxone Locations
Biddeford Campus
- Alfond Center for Health Sciences, main level by the elevator
- Bush Center, lower level near Windward Café
- Campus Center, main lobby and pool (two locations)
- Danielle Ripich Commons, second floor near COM lounge
- Decary Hall, first floor near main entrance
- Harold Alfond Forum, main Lobby, locker room hallway, ice level near the locker rooms and the second floor hallway (four locations)
- Marcil Hall, second floor near the kitchenette
- Marine Science, near the main entrance
- Morgane Hall, second floor near the restrooms
- Petts Center, lower level
- Pickus Center, first floor near the kitchen
- All residence halls (Assisi, Avila, Champlain, East, Featherman, Frederick, Siena, Sokokis, Padua, West)
- Stella Maris Hall, first floor
- Office of Safety and Security, near the main entrance and in all patrol vehicles
Portland Campus
- 1075 Forest Ave, in the lobby by the main entrance
- Abplanalp Library, behind the front desk
- Alexander Hall (Wing Lounge), inside the door to the right
- Arthur Girard Innovation Hall, first floor near the elevator
- Blewett Hall, by room 102
- Coleman, in the lobby and the second floor clinic (two locations)
- School of Pharmacy, by room 109 (Hannaford Auditorium)
- Finley Recreation, first floor by the front desk and second floor cardio landing (two locations)
- Hersey Hall, lobby by the main entrance
- Linnell Hall, in the health center hallway
- Ludcke Auditorium, inside the Stevens Ave entrance
- Parker Pavilion, near the café
- Oral Health Center, first floor by room 117 and second floor by room 241 (2 locations)
- Office of Safety and Security, all patrol vehicles
Administering Naloxone
Who Can Administer
At UNE, Naloxone can be administered by the general population, including family members, friends, and bystanders who may witness an opioid overdose. Instructions are included at each location where the medication is available on campus.
Safety and Effectiveness
Naloxone is safe and generally has no effect in individuals who do not have opioids in their system. It temporarily reverses the effects of opioids, but additional medical attention is typically required after naloxone administration.
How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray
Identify overdose symptoms and check responsiveness
Identify signs such as unconsciousness, slow or absent breathing, and pinpoint pupils. Try to wake the person by shouting their name, rubbing your knuckles on their sternum, or pinching their earlobe.
Dial 911
- Dial 911 and alert UNE Safety and Security as soon as possible at (207) 283-0176 or (207) 602-2298 for additional support.
- Follow the dispatcher's instructions and provide as much detail as possible.
- Instruct bystanders to assist by retrieving an AED and naloxone from nearest location to the emergency.
Retrieve AED and Naloxone at any of the locations listed above.
AED’s and naloxone are located in various locations on the Biddeford and Portland campuses.
Remove from packaging and follow the instructions
- Take the naloxone device out of its packaging.
- Read and follow the instructions provided with the device. Different naloxone products (e.g., nasal spray, auto-injector) may have slightly different instructions.
The nasal spray is a pre-filled device that delivers naloxone through the nose
- Position Person: Lay the person on their back.
- Tilt Head Back: Gently tilt their head back.
- Insert Nozzle: Insert the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the person's nose.
- Press Plunger: Press firmly to release the dose into the nostril.
- Repeat: If there is no response after 2-3 minutes, administer another dose in the other nostril.
Place the patient in a recovery position and continue to monitor them
- If the person begins to breathe on their own, place them in a recovery position on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and consciousness until emergency services arrive.
- Inform emergency responders that naloxone was administered.
Dispose of the used naloxone device
Safely dispose of the used naloxone device according to local guidelines and instructions.
Additional Resources
- Get Maine Naloxone: This site provides local resources and information about naloxone including the OD-ME mobile phone app.
- Get Naloxone Now: This website offers comprehensive information about naloxone, including how it works, where to get it, and how to use it to reverse opioid overdoses.
- NaloxoneInfo.org: This site provides detailed guidance on naloxone, including downloadable instructions and videos on how to administer naloxone nasal spray and naloxone auto-injectors.
- Harm Reduction Coalition: The Harm Reduction Coalition's website offers resources and training on naloxone, including information on recognizing opioid overdose and administering naloxone.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA provides information on naloxone, its use, and where to find it.
- Narcan website