Opioid overdoses can happen in a wide range of workplaces, including in the hospitality sector.
To support timely and potentially lifesaving responses, NSW Health has expanded access to naloxone for workers with first aid training.
If a worker witnesses a suspected opioid overdose at work, they are now authorised to administer naloxone as part of their first aid response.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, helping a person to breathe again if their breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioids.
Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and available in a nasal spray called Nyxoid®—no injection required.
Why naloxone matters
Opioid overdose is a serious and growing public health issue in Australia. In NSW, opioids were the most common drug type involved in unintentional overdose deaths in 2022.
When used promptly, naloxone can:
- Begin working within 2 to 5 minutes
- Last for 30 to 90 minutes
- Restore breathing and buy time until emergency services arrive
Used as part of a first aid response, naloxone can help save a life.
Naloxone at your venue
People at higher risk of overdose are encouraged to carry naloxone. Venue and security staff should be aware that some patrons may carry Nyxoid®, the nasal spray version, for personal use.
It is important that staff recognise this medication and do not prevent entry to patrons carrying it.
Stocking naloxone at your venue is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. Keeping it in your first aid kit may help save a life in the event of an opioid overdose.
How to access naloxone
NSW Health provides naloxone free of charge through participating pharmacies and services.
To get it for free at participating pharmacies, find your local pharmacy Naloxone can also be bought at non-participating pharmacies.
For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or contact NSW Health at
MOH-naloxone@health.nsw.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it mandatory to keep naloxone at my venue?
No. Keeping naloxone at your venue is not mandatory but is encouraged.
Who can administer naloxone at my venue?
First aid trained workers are authorised under this legal authority to administer naloxone to a person who is suspected of having an opioid overdose at work.
This document applies to workers who hold a current statement of attainment in Apply First Aid and CPR granted by a registered training organisation. First aiders must familiarise themselves with the signs of opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone.
Will venue and security staff require additional first aid training to administer naloxone?
No. Anyone with a current first aid certificate can administer naloxone.
However, first aid workers must familiarise themselves with signs of an opioid overdose and directions on how to administer naloxone if this medicine is kept as part of the venue’s first aid kit.
What to do if you suspect a patron is experiencing an opioid overdose?
This factsheet developed by NSW Health provides an overview of the signs to look out for and how to administer naloxone if you suspect a patron is experiencing an overdose.
What happens if venue or security staff administer naloxone to someone who is not actually having an overdose?
Naloxone has no adverse effects if administered to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
Naloxone is safe to administer to anyone who is showing symptoms of an opioid overdose, even if they are later found to be experiencing a different medical emergency.
How can I access naloxone?
First aid workers can obtain naloxone in the form of the Nyxoid® nasal spray for free without a prescription from participating pharmacies.
Find a pharmacy near you that provides naloxone.
What brand of naloxone should I purchase for my venue?
In Australia, the only nasal spray formulation of naloxone currently available is Nyxoid®. This product is designed for emergency use to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
Can patrons bring their own naloxone into your venue?
Yes. Members of the public may carry their own naloxone.
It is important that staff members and security at your venue are aware of naloxone and the appearance of Nyxoid® nasal spray, to ensure that patrons are allowed to keep this medicine on their person when entering a venue.