A Minute to Save a Life
How to help in an overdose emergency
Story and photos by Jackie Hopkins
As you walk through the crowded house, bodies rampage the room, jumping up and down with the musical beat. A body thuds on the ground, eyes vacant, skin blue and limbs limp on the hard floors. As you stand there and watch, people alongside you crowd the body and stare. No one calls emergency services, hoping others will react and save the day like a superhero. Who will help if everyone stands by watching?
“A 2018 CDC study of overdose deaths in 11 states between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, found that in over 40% of opioid overdose deaths, a bystander was nearby—and nearly 19,000 lives could have been saved had they administered naloxone,” said Ron Warner, communication specialist from the Whatcom Overdose Prevention Organization (WOPO). WOPO is associated with Whatcom County Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group. They highlight resources for people struggling with opioid or drug use and explain how to use Narcan and where to access in the community.
The rescue tool does not involve needles or CPR. Narcan comes in a nasal spray canister that is easily obtainable at local drugstores or on the Western Washington University campus and fits in the palm of your hand. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek out these resources below.
Boitano shows her hand positioning to the Klipsun viewers. You never know when you will need this lifesaver.
Scene 1
On an active Friday night in Bellingham, Cosette Clinton, Zada Boitano and Jacob Donabauer are at a busy party. Donabauer enters an empty room to catch a breath when he stumbles upon the body of Cosette Clinton on the ground, skin bluish in color and unresponsive.
Scene 2
Donabauer finds Clinton on the ground, evaluating her body posture and asking her if she is ok. Donabauer freezes in place, unsure of how to react or what he could possibly do to help.
Scene 3
Zada Boitano approaches Donabauer and Clinton, instantly evaluating Clinton’s skin and stance. Boitano and Donabauer team up to come up with an action plan to help Clinton.
Scene 4
Zada Boitano approaches Donabauer and Clinton, instantly evaluating Clinton’s skin and stance. Boitano and Donabauer team up to come up with an action plan to help Clinton.
Scene 5
Boitano checks the pulse of Clinton, noticing an extremely slow and difficult to notice pulse, a sign that Clinton is overdosing and needs medical attention. Donabauer stays on the phone with a doctor, describing the blueish tint, lack of mobility of Clinton and the party scene.
Scene 6
Boitano has taken classes on Narcan use and carries Narcan, pulling it out of her purse and reading the instructions on the back. She communicates to Donabauer that she knows how to use Narcan and tells him to follow her lead as she administers it to Clinton.
Scene 6 (Cont.)
Boitano reads the front of the package to make sure the package has not been harmed and is within its use date. She explains to Donabauer of the process of giving Narcan.
Scene 7
Boitano takes Narcan out of its package, showcasing the size of the canister. This Narcan package comes in two-pack.
Scene 8
Bystander Boitano pulls the corner of the Narcan packaging upward revealing the canister. She proceeds to administer the product, having Donabauer check on the status of Clinton who is still unresponsive.
Scene 9
Bystander Boitano pulls the corner of the Narcan packaging upward revealing the canister. She proceeds to administer the product, having Donabauer check on the status of Clinton who is still unresponsive.
Scene 9 (Cont.)
Scene 10
Boitano instructs Donabauer to set a three minute timer on his phone. Once the three minutes are up, if Clinton is still unresponsive and medical has not arrived, a second dose of Narcan can be administered.
Scene 11
During the three minute period, Boitano and Donabauer place Clinton into a recovery position, putting her on her side with her knees bent to prevent choking and aid in the recovery process. Medical personnel arrive at the scene shortly after and Donabauer and Boitano assist them in gathering information about Clinton.