PREVENTION OF OVERDOSE DEATHS

Naloxone is a safe medicine that can save a person’s life in case of an overdose from an opioid drug (fentanyl, heroin, methadone, morphine etc.) Naloxone blocks the drug’s effects and resuscitates the overdosed person. After the administration of naloxone, it is usually advised to also call emergency services. After going through the training, naloxone can be used by the users themselves, as well as their loved ones, friends and specialists. 

In case of an overdose, naloxone is administered by spraying it into the nose or injecting it into a muscle of the affected person. The medication blocks the effects of the narcotic drug for 30 to 90 minutes. In Estonia, naloxone is available in three forms — ampoules, pre-filled syringes and nasal spray kits. 

If you yourself are or your loved one is using opioids, you should get in touch with one of the following contacts and get trained in its proper use. The service is free! 

Read more: narko.ee↗

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SAFER INJECTION ADVICE

• Before injecting, clean your hands and the site of injection (with soap or alcohol swab). 
• Always use clean injection equipment, including an unused needle, syringe, spoon, filter, cooker and sterile water. 

1. If sterile water is not available, tap water can be used instead. 
2. NB! Cold tap water is better than warm water! 
3. NB! Running water is better than still water! 
4. NB! Don’t use carbonated water! Bubbles in carbonated water can clog up blood-vessels and cause death. 

• Make sure the dose is exact; always start from the smallest possible dose. 
• In order to minimize the risk of damaging blood-vessels, use the finest needle possible. 
• When preparing an injectable solution from non-soluble fentanyl or heroin, we advise to add a small amount of powdered citric or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in order to more efficiently purify the drug from adulterants. 
• When injecting, press the plunger down slowly and calmly; hurrying increases the risk of injuring yourself. 
• Keep reserves of unused syringes and needles for yourself or a friend, and avoid someone else’s blood from getting in touch with your hands, wounds or injection equipment. 
• When the needle is retracted from the vein, press and hold a dry napkin (not the alcohol swab) or a piece of paper gently against the injection site for a short while — this helps prevent the formation of subcutaneous haematomas (bruises). 
• Avoid using alcohol-soaked swabs after injecting — alcohol slows down blood clotting and prolongs healing of skin at the injection site. 
• Collect all used injecting equipment in a safe spot or discard it in a sharps disposal container (usually yellow); bring used syringes and needles to a harm reduction centre. 

What to do if you see a used syringe on the ground?

If you see a used syringe discarded on the ground, notify one of our harm reduction centres or the mobile unit, where trained professionals know what to do and how to dispose of used syringes. We promise to clean up the area in four hours or less. 

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