If the casualty is breathing normally but is unrousable or unconscious[1]
Move the person into the recovery position, lying on their side, mouth open and pointing towards the ground[2]
Give 0.4ml Prenoxad Injection (naloxone hydrochloride 1mg/ml solution for injection):[2]
Open and assemble Prenoxad Injection
Hold the syringe like a pen
Inject the casualty with the first dose of Prenoxad (0.4ml). The needle should be inserted into the casualty’s outer thigh or upper arm muscle, straight through clothing if required
Withdraw the needle from the casualty's outer thigh or upper arm muscle and put the syringe (with the needle still attached) back into the 'cradle' in the Prenoxad Injection case. It will fit into the cradle even with the needle attached[2]
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR RE-SHEATH THE NEEDLE[2]
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance explaining that you have a casualty who is UNCONSCIOUS BUT APPEARS TO BE BREATHING[2]
If the casualty does not wake up/regain consciousness, keep them in the recovery position and give further doses of Prenoxad Injection every 2 to 3 minutes. Inject Prenoxad Injection following the same process and using the same needle as before. Repeat this as many times as necessary until:[2]
The casualty regains consciousness
The ambulance arrives
Stay with the casualty and continue to monitor their breathing. If there is a decrease in breathing give 0.4ml Prenoxad Injection solution every 2-3 minutes. If the casualty’s breathing becomes less frequent or stops, you may need to give basic life support[3]
References
NHS Choices. First aid: after an incident. Page last updated 2022. Page last reviewed Oct 23.VIEW
Prenoxad Patient Information Leaflet. Page last reviewed Oct 23.VIEW
Prenoxad Injection. Summary of Product Characteristics. Page last reviewed Oct 23.VIEW