30 years in the ER. These are the ones that matter most.
Fewer than 8 breaths per minute. Count the chest rising. Slow, shallow, or no breathing is respiratory depression. This is the primary overdose indicator. Count before you react.
Opioids constrict the pupils to a very small size, even in a dark room. Pinpoint pupils combined with unconsciousness and slow breathing: that is an opioid overdose until proven otherwise.
Loud, gurgling breathing from someone who cannot be woken. This means the airway is partially obstructed. Recovery position immediately: on their side. Do not wait.
OTC. No prescription. Every major pharmacy carries it. It does nothing if opioids are not present. It works in 2 to 5 minutes if they are. There is no downside to using it.
You are. These signs are what you need to recognize before help arrives. The 4 minutes before EMS gets there are the ones that determine the outcome.
Free Overdose Response Guide at the link in bio. Follow for more.
Nurse Charles · Clinical Truth in Plain Language
30-year ER nurse. Plain language only.
Naloxone. Brand name Narcan. It reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioids in the brain. Works in 2 to 5 minutes.
OTC at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart. No prescription needed. Narcan 4mg nasal spray. Covered by many health benefit cards. Some states offer it free.
No. It does nothing if opioids are not present. Use it if there is any doubt.
Free guide at link in bio. Follow for more from 30 years of ER nursing.
Nurse Charles · Emory Healthcare