Recently, Benilde-St. Margaret’s added a new aspect to its safety prevention plans: the inclusion of Narcan, an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. In the event of an emergency, Narcan is available in several locations across the campus.
Having Narcan on hand in case of an unforeseen incident allows Benilde-St. Margaret’s to cover its bases in terms of safety preparation. Additionally, it is a tool that can benefit everyone, including potential visitors. “It’s a life-saving tool. Unfortunately, because opioids are a reality in society, if we ever had a visitor come into the building who would have an incident, or anyone else, we would know that we have the opportunity to save a life if necessary,” Senior High Assistant Principal Michael Kautzman said.
It’s a life-saving tool. Unfortunately, because opioids are a reality in society, if we ever had a visitor come into the building who would have an incident, or anyone else, we would know that we have the opportunity to save a life if necessary.”
— Michael Kautzman
This decision comes after months of work by the Safety Committee to further expand Benilde-St. Margaret’s safety policies. The process of adding Narcan as a safety tool included constant refinement. “Like everything, we just keep reprocessing and trying to make it better and better. [The plan to eventually implement Narcan into safety plans] is something that has been in existence throughout the entire year,” Kautzman said.
In addition to placing Narcan in three areas around the school, Benilde-St. Margaret’s has also identified teachers who would be able to administer it. Because it is a nasal spray, Narcan is easily administered. It can also take effect to reverse an opioid overdose in just a few minutes. “We know throughout the building who are the people that know how to [administer] it for certain, but it’s something that is easy enough that anyone would be able to do it,” Kautzman said.
However, Benilde-St. Margaret’s has also provided Narcan training to faculty and staff. This further ensures that Narcan is available to be administered in the case of an emergency. “We have faculty training…We’ve watched some videos and everything else to work on the training,” Student Support Specialist Damian Johnson said.
While opioid overdoses continue to be a serious crisis in the United States, Benilde-St. Margaret’s implemented Narcan as a preventative safety measure, as opposed to responding to a particular need for it. “I think it’s important to note that it wasn’t done because we believe there’s some sort of problem. Yes, we always want to be prepared for every possible difficulty that could arise,” Kautzman said.
The Narcan website advocates for opioid education in conjunction with having Narcan on hand, and it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose. If someone seems to be suffering from an opioid overdose, alert an adult. Look for unusual sleepiness or even unresponsiveness, slow or absent breathing, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, tiny pupils, and blue lips and nails. Vigilance can help save a life.