Naloxone is a medication that can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose, available in pre-filled syringes or nasal spray formats. When promptly administered following an overdose, it can be life-saving, offering vital support while waiting for emergency medical assistance. Given the concerning rise in cases of overdose involving synthetic opioids like nitazenes in various European cities, there’s an urgent call for widespread distribution of Naloxone and comprehensive training for people who use drugs.

In Copenhagen, C-EHRN’s Danish Focal Point, Red Liv, Center for Vulnerable Adults and Families, has been at the forefront of developing a nationwide training program on Naloxone administration for people who use drugs since 2010. This initiative has served as a model for other countries, including Norway and Sweden. By employing a train-the-trainer approach and adhering to national and WHO standards, staff at local services offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT) have been equipped to provide take-home Naloxone (in nasal spray form) and educate local communities on its usage and the identification of opioid overdoses. What began in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, has expanded into a nationwide network encompassing rural and urban municipalities.

This experience has proven the feasibility of establishing a supportive network of trainers for Naloxone administration and provision. However, sustaining such a network requires ongoing support, which local organisations find challenging due to insufficient political prioritisation and uncertain funding. Despite these obstacles, organisations like Red Liv continue to advocate for the importance of these initiatives amidst the many responsibilities faced by staff at harm reduction services.

Building on their extensive experience, Red Liv has compiled a series of reports and recommendations on Naloxone administration and how to support and upscale the existing network, available in multiple volumes in Danish and a summarised version in English. Their work is an excellent example that can support other European organisations wishing to implement similar interventions.

Read the English summary and recommendations here.

You can find more information on the development from pilot project to national standard [in Danish] here:
-Save Life 4 (read here and here)
–Save Life 3
–Save Life 2
–Save Life 1 (pilot)