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Preventing Fentanyl and Opioid Overdoses​

Like many places across the U.S., King County and Seattle have seen an increase in overdose-associated deaths from fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is stronger than other opioids, such as heroin and morphine.  

Access to Naloxone/Narcan®

Naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan®) and fentanyl test strips are available to help prevent fentanyl- and opioid-related overdose deaths. Note: location information is coming soon.

What to Do in an Opioid Overdose

Minutes count in an opioid overdose. If you think someone has overdosed, follow these steps:

  1. Check for signs of overdose like unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, and pale and cool skin.
  2. Call 911.
  3. Give naloxone and rescue breaths.
  4. If the person wakes up and starts breathing, stay with them. Encourage them to get follow-up medical care.     
    Additional details with videos.   

Administering Naloxone/Narcan®

Administering this medication temporarily counteracts the effects of opioid-related overdose. Watch the videos below.

Opioid Overdose - Administering Naloxone from Washington State Dept of Health on Vimeo.

Using Fentanyl Test Strips

Rapid Response fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if a substance contains fentanyl.

How to Use the Rapid Response™ Fentanyl Test Strip on YouTube.   

Good Samaritan Law

Overdose victims and responders have legal protections in Washington State. Anyone trying to help in a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liabilities by RCW 4.24.300. WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law RCW 69.50.315 gives additional, specific protections against drug possession charges. Learn more about WA State's Good Samaritan Law.   

Additional Resources

This webpage and the information on it is in compliance with Washington state legislation HB 2112 - 2023-24.