This past year, Parkview Sports Medicine’s (PSM) team of athletic trainers (AT) began carrying Narcan®, a rescue nasal medication used to assist an individual having a suspected opioid emergency. Candice Dunkin, MS, LAT, ATC, Director of Sports Medicine, Parkview Sports Medicine, offered more background on what prompted the ATs to begin carrying doses of the medication.
What prompted the change to have Parkview athletic trainers carry Narcan?
Several things contributed to this decision. Parkview ATs are in many of our communities and serve as the primary healthcare provider at athletic events. With the rise of the opioid epidemic, PSM felt that it was necessary to properly equip our team with additional emergency preparedness tools in the unfortunate event of an opioid overdose happening while they were on site.
Our ATs already carry an AED machine, Stop the Bleed kit (which includes a tourniquet) and other emergency medical supplies to be prepared in all of our communities should an emergency arise. We see this as another tool for these urgent events in which life-saving measures are necessary.
Do all of the athletic trainers carry the medication?
All 70+ PSM ATs in the schools and clubs we support have access to Narcan at all times. They store two doses in their medical kits along with their other emergency supplies.
Did the athletic trainers receive specific training for administering Narcan?
All ATs participated in online Narcan administration training through the Overdose Lifeline (in Indianapolis) and had hands-on training provided by the Parkview Mirro Simulation Lab.
Why do PSM leaders feel this is an important offering for the athletic trainers to provide?
PSM wants our team to be prepared for any situation that arises in our communities. We feel that, with the rise in opioid usage, it’s in our community's best interest for our team to be prepared to assist in any medical emergency that arises. If PSM can carry Narcan and help just one person, then this has been a beneficial program for PSM and the people we care for.
PSM is always looking for opportunities to partner with our schools and communities, and we are thankful that we can have an additional layer of safety for those we serve.
Were there any other groups involved in the introduction of Narcan through PSM?
The Allen County Health Department was able to include Parkview Sports Medicine in a grant that allowed them to donate all of the Narcan doses our ATs carry. These funds will also pay for replacement doses, as needed. This support will continue for the foreseeable future, allowing us to provide this life-saving medication in unfortunate circumstances.
Resources
Narcan is available over the counter without a prescription as well as at a vending machine located near the Emergency Room entrance at Parkview Hospital Randallia. You can learn how to administer the nasal spray by watching this video tutorial.
Recovery is possible. If you or someone you love is struggling with a Substance Use Disorder, the team at The Parkview Behavioral Health Institute can help. New patients may call 260-481-2700 to schedule an evaluation and discuss a personalized treatment plan with a therapist. If you need assistance immediately, the Parkview Behavioral Health HelpLine is available 24 hours a day at 260-471-9440 or 800-284-8439.
