Local school nurses equipped with Narcan as opioid crisis reaches classrooms

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - School nurses across the area are expanding their roles beyond traditional healthcare as the opioid epidemic reaches school buildings, with life-saving Narcan now part of emergency response protocols.

Toledo Public Schools has placed Narcan in emergency kits throughout high school buildings, stored behind glass and ready for immediate use when overdoses occur.

“We did not have anything in our building to help with an opioid overdose,” said Shiloh Cahill, TPS Acting Senior Director of Health and Nursing Services.

Cahill, who works at Scott High School in partnership with New Concepts Behavioral Health, said students often bring the effects of their home environments into the classroom.

“Our students are seeing their neighborhoods, their family members doing things and it can absolutely come to school. So we want to be prepared if it does,” Cahill said.

While metal detectors can prevent weapons from entering schools, they cannot detect pills or fentanyl powder, substances that have contributed to numerous overdose deaths.

“So being vigilant, knowing your students like I said relationships are so important you know and kids know what’s going on and if they have a trusted person, they will talk to that trusted person,” Cahill said.

The medication has already proven effective in local schools. According to a police report from May 2019, a 14-year-old Woodward High School student was found unconscious on the second floor.

“...the nurse administered a dose of Narcan into the victim’s nose. After one dose the victim’s vitals began to stabilize,” the report stated.

Cahill emphasized the importance of following up Narcan administration with emergency medical services.

“I think to keep in mind that it’s a very short-acting drug. So, if you give someone Narcan to stop an overdose, you definitely want to call EMS because it’s short-acting and opiates can stay in your bloodstream for three to four hours. But Narcan is very short-acting, 30 to 45 minutes. So it’s important to get them the help that they need as soon as possible,” she said.

Toledo Public Schools is addressing the crisis through multiple approaches, including Narcan availability and mental health counseling, while working to raise awareness to keep students safe.

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