3D-printed Naloxone Trainer unveiled

In the face of the opioid overdose crisis that is impacting Veterans at alarming rates, one VA nurse came up with a Naloxone Trainer that empowers Veterans and providers to respond effectively to opioid emergencies.

The VA Naloxone Trainer, developed through one of the Office of Advanced Manufacturing’s (OAM) six sites, VISN-12 Great Lakes VA, represents a transformative approach to opioid overdose education.

Prototype to groundbreaking innovation

VA nurse Diane Mosey wanted a sustainable and accessible method to educate Veterans, their caregivers and VA staff on how to provide lifesaving naloxone to Veterans during opioid overdose events.

Naloxone is a fast-acting and crucial medication for anyone showing signs of overdose or suspected overdose. It is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors, restoring normal breathing and preventing further opioid effects.

Hoping to take her idea from prototype to mass-produced training device, Mosey sought assistance from OAM’s biomedical engineering team. The OAM team used 3D-printing technology to turn Mosey’s makeshift trainer into a more permanent solution to help revolutionize naloxone usage across VA.

“What started as a modest prototype made from plywood and wristbands has evolved into a groundbreaking innovation,” remarked Dr. Katie Schultz, Great Lakes VA. “Our goal was simple: Equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to opioid emergencies.”

Simplicity in education

The Naloxone Trainer’s user-friendly design features a lifelike, 3D-printed nose and a simulated naloxone nasal spray device placed in VA medical center waiting rooms. Veterans and their caregivers can use time spent waiting for appointments to familiarize themselves with the step-by-step process of administering naloxone.

“The beauty of the trainer lies in its simplicity. By providing individuals with the opportunity to practice administering naloxone, we aim to empower them to act decisively during opioid emergencies,” Schultz said.

OAM is able to mass produce these 3D-printed devices, increasing accessibility and integrating the Naloxone Trainer more easily into existing training programs. These efforts ultimately enhance the readiness of VA health care providers and the general public to respond to opioid emergencies.

Mosey expressed how genuinely thrilled she is that her creation can help providers and Veterans on a larger scale. “In crisis, responders need to be able to move quickly and confidently, and this trainer helps users build that confidence.”

Empowering providers and Veterans

“We were excited to unveil the Naloxone Trainer at the Resuscitation Symposium in March and we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of opioid overdose response. By making Naloxone education more accessible and engaging, we can empower individuals to act and potentially save lives,” Schultz added.

With the Naloxone Trainer poised to make a significant impact on opioid overdose response efforts, OAM looks forward to collaborating with VA health care providers and community partners to promote its widespread adoption.