Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is used in emergencies to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing) and unconsciousness.

The University of Southern Maine has made Naloxone (Narcan) available on its campuses – at Automatic External Defibrillator locations which are clearly marked with symbols like these:

Image shows examples of signs that demonstrate locations of AED devices as well as Narcan.
Images of AED signage that can be found at USM.

Videos About Naloxone and How to Use It

  • Unusual sleepiness or unresponsiveness
  • Breathing will be slow or absent
  • Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
  • Pupils are tiny
  • Skin feels cold or clammy
  • Nails and lips are blue

Nasal spray Naloxone is available at the AED stations across all three USM campuses.


Gorham
Bailey Hall – by Welcome Center, 1st Floor
Brooks Student Center – lower level by eSports
Public Safety – Cruiser Mobile Units
Gorham Health and Counseling Services (Upton Hall)
Fitness Center – 2nd Floor Costello
Ice Arena Lobby
Hill Gym Lobby
Corthell Hall Lobby – Main Lobby
Russell Hall Lobby – Main Lobby
Woodward Hall – 1st Floor Lounge
Anderson Hall – Main Lobby
Robie Andrews Hall – Main Lobby
Philippi Hall – Main Lobby
Upper Class Hall – Main Lobby

AED’s Gorham Campus Map (2)Download

Portland
Sullivan Gym – First floor lobby next to elevator
Sullivan Gym – Ground Floor Body Shop
Masterton Hall – 1st Floor lobby
Abromson Center – First floor opposite elevator
Parking Garage Office in Abromson
Public Safety – Cruiser Mobile Unit
Wishcamper – Main 1st floor lobby
Luther Bonney – Main lobby
Glickman Library – Main lobby
Portland Commons – 1st Floor lobby
Science Building – Main lobby
McGoldrick Center – 1st Floor near elevators

AED’s Portland Campus Map (3)Download

LAC
Outside room 159
Exterior wall of Connector Hallway – 1st Floor
Dental Lab – Room 227

Lewiston-Auburn CampusDownload

At USM, Naloxone can be administered by the general public and voluntarily trained members of USM faculty and staff. Instructions are located at each AED station on how to administer NARCAN.

Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Important Information:

  • For use in the nose only.
  • Do not test nasal spray device before use.
  • 1 nasal spray device contains 1 dose of medicine.
  • Each device sprays 1 time only.

Step 1: CHECK if you suspect an overdose

  • CHECK for a suspected overdose: the person will not wake up or is very sleepy or not breathing well.
  • Yell “Wake up!“
  • Shake the person gently.
  • If the person is not awake, go to Step 2

Step 2: Give 1st dose in the nose

  • HOLD the nasal spray device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger
  • INSERT the nozzle into either NOSTRIL
  • PRESS the plunger firmly to give the 1st dose
  • 1 nasal spray device contains 1 dose.

Step 3: Call 911

  • CALL 911 immediately after giving the 1st dose.

Step 4: Watch & Give

  • WAIT 2-3 minutes after the 1st dose to give the medicine time to work
  • If the person wakes up: Go to Step 5.
  • If the person does not wake up:
  • CONTINUE TO GIVE doses every 2-3 minutes until the person wakes up
  • It is safe to keep giving doses.

Step 5: Stay

  • STAY until an ambulance arrives: even if the person wakes up.
  • GIVE another dose if the person becomes very sleepy again.
  • You may need to give all the doses in the pack.

Get Maine Naloxone
Get Naloxone Now
Harm Reduction Coalition
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Narcan Website
USM Recovery Oriented Campus Center