The opioid epidemic in the United States is at an all time high. More people are overdosing and dying from abuse than ever before. Addiction affects families of all kinds and at all income levels. Thousands of children are poisoned by ingesting these drugs. It is possible to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, at least temporarily, if you have a kit and have had naloxone training.
If you walk into a situation where you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, you have to first determine whether or not they are breathing. You can take whatever measures necessary to get a response. This includes yelling their name or shaking them before you call 911.
As hard as it may be, you have to try and stay calm when you are talking to the emergency operator. You must tell her where you are and what you have done to try and revive the person. It is extremely helpful if you can tell the operator what drug the person swallowed and how much.
The next step is to start doing CPR, if possible. If you have had a training course in CPR you already know to press on the individual's chest with both hands. Your arms should be locked. Pushing two or more inches per compression is recommended. You will have to keep this up until the paramedics get there.
In order to use the spray, you have to peel back the tab. Hold the nozzle, but don't press the plunger. Tip the victim's head backward, so the liquid doesn't drip out, and insert the nozzle into a nostril. Press the plunger and sit back for at least two minutes to see if the antidote takes effect. If there is no response, you have to administer a second dose into the other nostril.
As long as this is an actual opioid overdose, the individual will respond. Victims come to from these situations in different ways. The victim might wake up slowly or quickly. Some are confused, and some get agitated. The person may be combative or try to force you to get them more drugs. If you feel you're in danger, you can leave. Otherwise, you should stay until help arrives.
It's important to put the victim in the recovery position if you have to leave him alone for any reason. This involves placing the person on his side and bending one knee forward to prevent the person from rolling onto his stomach. You should place one arm under his head and the other straight up behind his head. Pushing his head back will reduce the chances of him choking.
Finding a loved in this situation is frightening and traumatic. It is important to stay as calm as possible. You may have to take a moment to clear your head and remember what you were taught to do during training classes. Your quick response can make the difference between life and death.
If you walk into a situation where you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, you have to first determine whether or not they are breathing. You can take whatever measures necessary to get a response. This includes yelling their name or shaking them before you call 911.
As hard as it may be, you have to try and stay calm when you are talking to the emergency operator. You must tell her where you are and what you have done to try and revive the person. It is extremely helpful if you can tell the operator what drug the person swallowed and how much.
The next step is to start doing CPR, if possible. If you have had a training course in CPR you already know to press on the individual's chest with both hands. Your arms should be locked. Pushing two or more inches per compression is recommended. You will have to keep this up until the paramedics get there.
In order to use the spray, you have to peel back the tab. Hold the nozzle, but don't press the plunger. Tip the victim's head backward, so the liquid doesn't drip out, and insert the nozzle into a nostril. Press the plunger and sit back for at least two minutes to see if the antidote takes effect. If there is no response, you have to administer a second dose into the other nostril.
As long as this is an actual opioid overdose, the individual will respond. Victims come to from these situations in different ways. The victim might wake up slowly or quickly. Some are confused, and some get agitated. The person may be combative or try to force you to get them more drugs. If you feel you're in danger, you can leave. Otherwise, you should stay until help arrives.
It's important to put the victim in the recovery position if you have to leave him alone for any reason. This involves placing the person on his side and bending one knee forward to prevent the person from rolling onto his stomach. You should place one arm under his head and the other straight up behind his head. Pushing his head back will reduce the chances of him choking.
Finding a loved in this situation is frightening and traumatic. It is important to stay as calm as possible. You may have to take a moment to clear your head and remember what you were taught to do during training classes. Your quick response can make the difference between life and death.
About the Author:
You can get a detailed overview of the things to consider before picking a naloxone training provider at http://www.odawalk.com/support right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment