Overdosing death and dying is a hard topic for most people to talk about. When friends and family are involved it becomes even harder. An overdose is defined as intentional or accidental ingestion of a drug over the recommended amount. When an overdose occurs the body is overwhelmed and cannot dissolve the drug quick enough. When this happens the person can become unconscious, have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, slow or raised heart rate, chest pains, and shallow or rapid breathing. (Overdose facts, 2008) There are some different types of overdoses including but not limited to heroin overdose, crack and cocaine overdose, and methamphetamine overdose. Heroin overdosing is a very common but potentially fatal side effect of taking this drug.
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During an overdose a priority is clearing the airway and inserting a breathing tube when trouble breathing occurs, another treatment includes giving activated charcoal to absorb the drugs and also inducing vomiting to remove the substance from the stomach. (Drug overdose, 2016)Treatment will also depend of the situation that arises, including things like the patient's condition, the drug ingested, protocols and the level of provider training. (Skills station, 2010) First responders that are equipped with naloxone can administer it, naloxone can reverse effects of overdoses. Naloxone blocks the effects of drugs made from opium or opioids. (Treating a drug overdose, 2018) For certain overdoses, other medications may be needed to be given and that would be decided by the doctor at the …show more content…
Weather the first responder be a police officer an EMT or a firefighter, there are steps to protect yourself and others from potential accidental overdosing while coming in contact. When a first responder is on scene with a potential overdose, they are trained to recognize the potential hazards, but also what PPE should be used. PPE or personal protective equipment use should include gloves, dust masks, safety glasses, paper suits and shoe covers. PPE could be increased or decreased according to the situation. (Knight, 2017) A first responder should avoid actions that could potentially cause the drug to become airborne. If a first responder comes in contact with potential fentanyl, it is recommended you do not touch your eyes, mouth, nose or any part of your skin, wash your hands with cool water and soap, and do not use hand sanitizer. (Fentanyl safety,
During an overdose a priority is clearing the airway and inserting a breathing tube when trouble breathing occurs, another treatment includes giving activated charcoal to absorb the drugs and also inducing vomiting to remove the substance from the stomach. (Drug overdose, 2016)Treatment will also depend of the situation that arises, including things like the patient's condition, the drug ingested, protocols and the level of provider training. (Skills station, 2010) First responders that are equipped with naloxone can administer it, naloxone can reverse effects of overdoses. Naloxone blocks the effects of drugs made from opium or opioids. (Treating a drug overdose, 2018) For certain overdoses, other medications may be needed to be given and that would be decided by the doctor at the …show more content…
Weather the first responder be a police officer an EMT or a firefighter, there are steps to protect yourself and others from potential accidental overdosing while coming in contact. When a first responder is on scene with a potential overdose, they are trained to recognize the potential hazards, but also what PPE should be used. PPE or personal protective equipment use should include gloves, dust masks, safety glasses, paper suits and shoe covers. PPE could be increased or decreased according to the situation. (Knight, 2017) A first responder should avoid actions that could potentially cause the drug to become airborne. If a first responder comes in contact with potential fentanyl, it is recommended you do not touch your eyes, mouth, nose or any part of your skin, wash your hands with cool water and soap, and do not use hand sanitizer. (Fentanyl safety,