ATHLETIC TRAINER AND SCHOOL NURSE NARCAN ACCESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOLS

PURPOSE: Professional associations for school-based nurses and athletic trainers (AT’s) recommend having access to naloxone for opioid-related overdoses in schools. We aimed to evaluate access to naloxone of school-based professionals responsible for caring for athletes and the knowledge of school-based these professionals regarding naloxone treatment and policy. METHODS: A single electronic survey was distributed via email to school-based professionals (nurses, teachers, AT’s, and athletic staff) within South Carolina through employers or professional societies. Data was collected and stored in a REDCap database. Comparative statistics were calculated using REDCap built in software. RESULTS: 228 respondents participated in the survey, nearly all from a single county. 25.7% were nurses, 38.3% teachers, 3.0% AT’s, 3.0% athletic staff, and 30% identified as “Other”. 91.7% have never administered naloxone in the past. 59.6% never received training about naloxone administration in the past. 48.7% stated naloxone was not available at their school. Respondents’ comfort with recognizing opioid overdoses, administering naloxone, and in their knowledge of naloxone and opioid overdoses varied. However, 93% agreed that AT’s and/or coaches should receive training on naloxone administration and recognizing opioid overdose. 86.9% of respondents expressed desire to receive training on naloxone and opioid overdoses. There was mixed consensus on whether AT’s or coaches should carry naloxone (26.5% Disagree, 69.2% Agree or Strongly Agree). In contrast, 90.7% of respondents agreed that naloxone should be immediately available to the same staff. It was generally agreed (97%) that nurses, but not teachers should have access to naloxone (68.8% Disagree or Strongly Disagree, 35.2% Agree or Strongly Agree). CONCLUSIONS: Although the survey results only reflect the input from respondents in a single county, there is a desire to expand education about use of naloxone and opioid overdose recognition and to increase access to naloxone. However, there is some division in how individuals believe naloxone should be accessed and who should have access to it. There is a need for formal training on naloxone use and opioid overdose recognition, as well as further investigation into similar themes in other parts of the state.