Take-home Naloxone for Trained Opioid Addicts - How Do They Deal with Overdose Emergencies

Background Opioid addicts have a significantly increased mortality, with overdose being the most common cause of death. Method Within the framework of the Bavarian Take-Home Naloxone Model Project (BavTHN), opioid addicts received a manualized drug-emergency first aid training, including a take-home naloxone (THN) kit. Results 537 opioid addicts were trained. To date, 93 overdose emergencies involving use of 17% of the THN dispensed have been documented. 72% of overdoses occurred in the private housing. 38% of opioid dependent first responders helped in more than one drug emergency. In 1/3 of cases, first responders were able to provide continued support and a hospital admission could be avoided. The contents of the manualized first-aid training was rated as very helpful in the emergency situation. Increased self-efficacy after a successful course, but also positive feedback by prehospital professionals were supportive for the motivation to help again. In contrast, some stigmatizing statements or the involvement of the police decreased the readiness to help. Conclusion Manualized drug emergency first-aid training, inkl. THN for opioid addicts led to mostly successful first aid in an overdose emergency. Caveats concerning naloxone among opioid addicts, as well as emergency service professionals should be addressed. A broader roll-out is needed for a measurable reduction in overdose mortality.