“Many of our members recommend NARCAN® nasal spray for its safety and ease of administration, particularly when used in emergency situations. There are legal protections in place under Georgia Law that can protect first responders, including veterinarians who are first responders, who administer NARCAN® and other otc opioid antagonists, in certain circumstances.
The use must be in good faith, and within general standards of conduct (no gross negligence or unreasonable conduct). The use and administration must also not be for a fee, e.g. gratuitously. But when used in this manner, they are shielded from the most common types of civil liability. Making usage of NARCAN® and other similar otc opioid antagonists is a prudent choice in environments where the risk of accidental opioid exposure exists.
Given the reality of accidental opioid exposures in veterinary practices, having NARCAN® or similar otc opioid antagonists on hand provides a critical safety net for both staff and animals.”
– Dr. Laura Smallwood, GVMA Wellness Committee Chair and Dr. Keri Riddick, GVMA Executive Director
The person administering NARCAN® is protected even if they haven’t been trained.
“Any first responder who gratuitously and in good faith renders emergency care or treatment by administering or providing an opioid antagonist shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of such care or treatment or as a result of any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment where the person acts without gross negligence or intent to harm or as an ordinary reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances, even if such individual does so without benefit of the appropriate training. This subsection includes paid persons who extend care or treatment without expectation of remuneration from the patient or victim for receiving the opioid antagonist.”
Official Code of Georgia OCGA 31-11-55.1
“First responder” means any person or agency who provides on-site care until the arrival of a duly licensed ambulance service
