A VA (Veterans Affairs) nurse has developed a 3D printed Naloxone Trainer to address the opioid overdose crisis among Veterans in the US. This trainer, created at VISN-12 Great Lakes VA under the Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM), aims to improve opioid emergency responses.
Diane Mosey sought to create an accessible and effective method for educating Veterans, caregivers, and VA staff on administering Naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses by restoring normal breathing. The OAM’s biomedical engineering team used 3D printing technology to turn Mosey’s initial prototype into a durable, mass-producible training device.
The trainer features a realistic 3D printed nose and a simulated Naloxone nasal spray device, placed in VA medical center waiting rooms for easy access. This design allows users to practice naloxone administration during waiting times, enhancing their confidence and readiness to respond to opioid emergencies.
Mass production by OAM ensures the trainer’s availability, integrating it into existing training programs to improve the preparedness of VA health care providers and the public. Mosey expressed her excitement about the trainer’s potential to aid providers and Veterans on a larger scale, emphasizing the importance of quick, confident responses during crises.
The Naloxone Trainer was unveiled at the Resuscitation Symposium in March, marking a step forward in opioid overdose education and response. OAM aims to collaborate with VA health care providers and community partners to promote widespread adoption.
Source: news.va.gov