Naloxone (Narcan)
Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an accidental opioid poisoning (commonly referred to as an opioid overdose). Opioids are medications that can be prescribed to treat pain, but they may also be used recreationally or obtained from the unregulated drug supply. Common opioids include hydromorphone, fentanyl, carfentanil, morphine, heroin, methadone, and oxycodone.
The term "accidental drug poisoning" is increasingly used because it recognizes that many poisonings occur unintentionally. A person may not know the strength or contents of the substances they have taken, particularly when drugs are contaminated or unexpectedly contain potent opioids such as fentanyl. While "opioid overdose" remains a widely recognized term in healthcare and public education, "accidental drug poisoning" more accurately reflects that these events are often unintentional rather than the result of someone knowingly taking too much of a drug.
During an accidental opioid poisoning (opioid overdose), a person's breathing slows significantly or stops altogether, preventing enough oxygen from reaching the body. If administered promptly, naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of the opioid and restore breathing while emergency medical care is obtained. Naloxone is available as either an injectable medication or a nasal spray.
If you think an overdose/drug poisoning has occurred:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately
- Administer Naloxone, if available
The Occupational Health and Safety Act has been amended to require employers who become aware or ought reasonably to be aware that there may be a risk of a worker having an opioid overdose in the workplace to provide a naloxone kit in the workplace. The naloxone kit must be in charge of a worker who has been trained on recognizing an opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone.
At Trent University, all members of Campus Security, TUEFRT, Student Health Services, and Workplace First Aiders have been trained on how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to use Naloxone kits.
Trent University will only use and dispense naloxone in nasal spray format, and not in injectable formats.
How to locate Naloxone on Campus:
Employees, students, and community members can gain access to naloxone on campus through a number of different means. During a suspected opioid poisoning, naloxone can be obtained from the following sources:
- Campus Security (Peterborough and Durham)
- Student Health Services (Peterborough)
- Student Housing, Service Centres (Peterborough and Durham)
- Bata Library, front desk (Peterborough)
- Athletics Centre, front desk (Peterborough)
- Traill College, college office (Scott House 106 & 107)
Access to naloxone is also being promoted as part of Ontario’s overdose prevention program. Free Naloxone kits and training on how to use them are available through several Peterborough agencies, which can be found on the provincial website Where to Get a Free Naloxone Kit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit
Details can be found on the Public Health websites:
Peterborough: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/drugs-and-harm reduction/opioids/?highlight=naloxone
Durham region: https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/drugs.aspx
For more information from the Student Wellness Centre, click here.
Last Updated: July 22, 2026