Recognise an overdose. Respond effectively. Potentially save a life.

Opioid overdose remains a significant public health concern, particularly among people experiencing substance dependency, homelessness, poor mental health or other forms of vulnerability.

Naloxone is an emergency medication that can temporarily reverse the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose. When administered promptly, alongside appropriate emergency intervention, it can play a critical role in preventing drug-related deaths.

Our Naloxone Training programme is designed to equip frontline professionals with the knowledge and practical understanding required to recognise suspected opioid overdoses and take appropriate action during an emergency.

What does the training cover?

• Understanding opioids: An introduction to opioids, including heroin, methadone, morphine, fentanyl, nitazenes and other synthetic opioids, and their effects on the central nervous system.
• Recognising an opioid overdose: Identifying critical warning signs, including reduced consciousness, slow or absent breathing, unusual snoring or gurgling sounds and changes in skin colour.
• Understanding overdose risk factors: Exploring circumstances that increase overdose risk, including reduced tolerance following abstinence, combining substances and the increasing presence of potent synthetic opioids.
• Introduction to naloxone: Understanding what naloxone is, how it works, what it can and cannot reverse, and why further medical intervention remains essential.
• Naloxone administration: Learning the appropriate use of naloxone, including awareness of nasal and injectable formulations, subject to the product and practical training provided.
• Responding to an emergency: Understanding how to contact emergency services, assess responsiveness and breathing, follow appropriate resuscitation guidance and provide continued support until emergency assistance arrives.
• Post-overdose considerations: Understanding the risk of an overdose recurring after naloxone wears off, the need for medical assessment and the importance of onward support.

Who should attend?

This training is particularly relevant to supported accommodation staff, homelessness outreach workers, recovery practitioners, hostel employees, social care professionals, criminal justice workers and any organisation supporting individuals who may be at risk of opioid overdose.

Learning outcomes

Participants will develop a clearer understanding of opioid overdose risks, increased confidence in recognising an emergency and awareness of the appropriate steps to take when responding to a suspected overdose.

The training also highlights the importance of early intervention, emergency escalation and connecting individuals with specialist treatment and recovery services.