The opioid epidemic in Canada and the United States has reached alarming proportions, with thousands of lives lost annually. In response to this crisis, our project addresses the urgent need for a more efficient and user-friendly delivery system for naloxone, a life-saving opioid antagonist. Despite the existence of naloxone, the increasing number of deaths suggests that the current administration method used in the kits may not be optimal, especially when individuals are using opioids alone.
Our innovation, a timed naloxone auto-injector, aims to streamline the intervention process. Users can adjust the 30-second timer using a touch sensor, providing flexibility in administration. Upon activation, the auto-injector delivers a single dose of a high concentration of naloxone (than seen in the kits), resulting in the reversal of opioid effects. The device incorporates an Arduino board, a battery power pack, and a customizable 3D-printed enclosure for precise measurements, aligning components, and enhancing user accessibility.
Despite challenges in brainstorming, 3D printing, and understanding the mechanics of syringe deployment, our team successfully developed a prototype. In the future, we aim to enhance the product by having the dose administration controlled by heart/respiration rate, constructing the device to be refillable, and incorporating an emergency feature to alert 911 after injection.
In conclusion, our automated naloxone autoinjector addresses critical gaps in the current approach to opioid overdose intervention. By combining technological innovation with life-saving medication, our project offers a promising solution to mitigate the devastating impact of opioid-related deaths on individuals and communities.
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