SAMHSA releases guidance for law enforcement and first responders regarding naloxone

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released new guidance for law enforcement and first responders administering naloxone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidance references reports that some first responders and law enforcement officers have been reluctant to administer naloxone due to fears of contracting COVID-19. SAMHSA reiterated the importance of the lifesaving drug, comparing a reluctance to administer naloxone with withholding CPR from an unresponsive person, and provided several recommendations. SAMHSA noted that the use of intranasal naloxone should still be considered as most law enforcement and first responders are using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). For those who feel the intranasal approach poses too great a risk, SAMHSA noted the availability of intramuscular naloxone.