Abstract
Dear Dr. Rogers,
I would like to thank Rosemberg and Dahlem (2024) for their recognition of the opioid crisis in the work setting, the increase in worker deaths due to opioids, and the push to make naloxone available in the workplace. This topic is important to me because in addition to being a Registered Nurse, I am also a first responder and I have been called to many drug overdoses in the workplace. As some of these unfortunate incidents have resulted in death, I believe lives may have been saved with the prompt administration of naloxone. As a person who has seen too many of these incidents, I would like to offer additional information to support the need for naloxone in the workplace.
I understand that employers might worry about being responsible for giving this medication at their workplace (Rosemberg & Dahlem, 2024). However, as a first responder, I have learned that administering nonprescription naloxone nasal spray would not harm someone who is not opioid dependent and not suffering an opioid overdose. I would also like to convey that if a staff member responded to an overdose and administered naloxone in the workplace, by the time first responders arrive, additional doses of naloxone are usually not needed (Williams et al., 2021). With today’s opioid crisis and the relatively low cost of the drug, naloxone needs to be accessible to everyone. Some areas are calling for naloxone to be stocked in their first aid kits. With many organizations having first aid kits and first aid protocols in place, this sounds like a perfect opportunity to make this addition to increase workplace safety and wellbeing.
As we are seeing a rise in drug related overdoses in the workplace, I am calling for employers to stock up on nonprescription naloxone nasal spray to combat the opioid crisis and potentially save lives. With this, the employer will be responsible for providing training for those that may be giving the drug and instituting relevant policies within the workplace.
