Naloxone Access and Utilization for Suspected Opioid Overdoses

Revised February 2023, June 2016

Originally approved October 2015

A joint policy statement of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), and the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), and the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) continue their commitment to the emergency care of individuals with suspected opioid overdose and advocates for increased access to naloxone and education for its appropriate use by:

• Affirming naloxone is a life-saving therapy.
• Affirming naloxone is a generally safe and highly effective opioid antidote.
• Affirming the benefits of naloxone have been demonstrated in a wide variety of settings including administration by laypersons.
• Advocating for research, policies, laws, and regulations that support and prioritize the safe and effective care of patients with opioid overdose:
  • Policies and programs addressing opioid overdose should include:
    • Education on overdose recognition, naloxone administration, and post-administration care.
    • Persons at risk for opioid overdose, their friends/family, and first responders including emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners, law enforcement personnel, and firefighters.
  • Endorsement of programs that increase access to naloxone. Examples of these include, but are not limited to:
    • Community naloxone distribution programs
    • Emergency department (ED) prescribing of naloxone
    • Direct dispensing by EDs
    • EMS leave behind programs