How to Respond to an Overdose Flashcards
5 Steps Overdose Response
Step 1: Shout (name) and Shake (shoulders)
Step 2: Call 911 (if unresponsive)
Step 3: Administer Naloxone (1 spray/ampule)
Step 4: Start CPR
Step 5: If NO in 2-3 min, repeat 3 & 4
Step 1
CALL FOR HELP (CALL 911)
AN OPIOID OVERDOSE NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
How to Respond to an Overdose
STEP 1: CALL FOR HELP (CALL 911)
AN OPIOID OVERDOSE NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
An essential step is to get someone with medical expertise to see the patient as soon as possible, so if no EMS or other trained personnel are on the scene, dial 911 immediately. All you have to say is:
“Someone is not breathing.”
Be sure to give a clear address and/or description of your location.
Good Samaritan Law
Step 2
CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE
STEP 2: CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE
Signs of Overdose, which often results in death if not treated, include:
- Face is extremely pale and/or clammy to the touch
- Body is limp
- Fingernails or lips have a blue or purple cast
- The patient is vomiting or making gurgling noises
- He or she cannot be awakened from sleep or is unable to speak
- Breathing is very slow or stopped
- Heartbeat is very slow or stopped
STEP 2: CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE
Signs of Over-medication, which may progress to overdose, include:
- Unusual sleepiness or drowsiness
- Mental confusion, slurred speech, intoxicated behavior
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow heartbeat, low blood pressure
- Difficulty waking the person from sleep.
Step 3
SUPPORT THE PERSON’S BREATHING
STEP 3: SUPPORT THE PERSON’S BREATHING
» ventilated, before
» Airway Tube = invert, insert, rotate, locate
Invert: n. Put upside down or in the opposite position, order, or arrangement.
Ideally, individuals who are experiencing opioid overdose should be ventilated with 100% oxygen before naloxone is administered so as to reduce the risk of acute lung injury. In situations where 100% oxygen is unavailable, rescue breathing can be very effective in supporting respiration. Rescue breathing involves the following steps:—-
Airway Tube: invert, insert into the mouth, rotate around, locate into the airway
Step 4
ADMINISTER NALOXONE
STEP 4: ADMINISTER NALOXONE (if you have access to it)
Naloxone (Narcan) should be administered to any person who shows signs of opioid overdose, or when overdose is suspected.
Step 5
MONITOR THE PERSON’S RESPONSE
STEP 5: MONITOR THE PERSON’S RESPONSE
Naloxone will continue to work for 30 to 90 minutes, but after that time, overdose symptoms may return. Therefore, it is essential to get the person to an emergency department or other source of medical care as quickly as possible, even if he or she revives after the initial dose of naloxone and seems to feel better.
4 DOs
- DO support the person’s breathing by administering oxygen or performing rescue breathing. 2. DO administer naloxone.
- DO put the person in the “recovery position” on the side, if he or she is breathing independently. 4. DO stay with the person and keep him/her warm.
4 DON’Ts
1
DON’T slap or try to forcefully stimulate the person — it will only cause further injury. If you are unable to wake the person by shouting, rubbing your knuckles on the sternum (center of the chest or rib cage), or light pinching, he or she may be unconscious.
4 DON’Ts
2,3
DON’T put the person into a cold bath or shower. This increases the risk of falling, drowning or going into shock.
DON’T inject the person with any substance (salt water, milk, “speed,” heroin, etc.). The only safe and appropriate treatment is naloxone.
