In a move to combat opioid-related harm, the NSW Government is making the life-saving opioid reversal medication naloxone available to licensed venues across the state to include as part of their first aid kits.

Opioid overdoses can happen in a range of environments, including licensed venues.

The medication, available as a nasal spray, can quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, buying vital time until emergency services arrive.

From this month, pubs, clubs, bars and music venues can volunteer to access naloxone and include it in their first aid kits.

The NSW Government will work closely with licensees who volunteer to participate in the program, providing tailored support, including additional training or access to expert advice from NSW Health to assist with implementation.

Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of heroin and prescription opioids like fentanyl. It poses no risk of harm to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. It does not require a prescription and is available in a range of settings in NSW, including pharmacies and emergency departments.

This initiative builds on the Take Home Naloxone program, which already provides the medication free of charge through pharmacies, hospitals and health services.

For more information about naloxone, visit NSW Health’s Take home naloxone program https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/programs/Pages/naloxone.aspxhome naloxone program, Your Room https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx or NUAA’s Take-Home Naloxone page https://nuaa.org.au/thn   

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said, “We want the best venues possible and having this tool to help prevent deaths from overdoses brings NSW up to speed with leading international jurisdictions.

“As we rebuild the night-time economy, safety has to remain paramount. Our venue operators care about safety, and we're supporting them with this important tool to keep people safe until emergency services arrive.

“NSW joins a growing number of jurisdictions globally that recognise the importance of making overdose reversal medication more accessible in areas where drug-related incidents occur.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We know that overdoses can happen anywhere, including social settings and this program is about ensuring that when they do, people have the tools they need to potentially save a life.

“Making naloxone available in licensed venues is about being proactive and responsible and can reduce preventable deaths. Naloxone is safe, easy to use and saves lives. Anyone who witnesses a suspected opioid overdose can safely administer naloxone.

“NSW Health recently expanded access to naloxone to first aid-qualified workers across all sectors, including the hospitality industry.”

Acting Minister for Gaming and Racing Jodie Harrison said, “While drug overdoses in licensed venues are relatively rare, they are an unfortunate reality.

“This initiative is about empowering hospitality workers to act swiftly in emergencies to save lives or reduce harms associated with dangerous drugs.

“The availability of naloxone at licensed venues could mean the difference between life and death.”