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.
When you dial 911, you need to have certain information readily available. This is not the time to panic. You need to speak clearly and logically. You are not required to identify yourself, but you do have to tell the operator where the victim is and that you have already determined the person is unconscious. You should tell the operator what the individual has ingested, if you know.
Until the paramedics get there, you will have to administer CPR, if you know how. CPR training will teach you to bear down on the victim's chest with both hands and with arms locked. You push down at least two inches per compression. You should continue to do this until emergency personnel gets there to take over.
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.
The antidote will work if an opioid was ingested. How the victim responds upon waking can vary widely. The response can be fast or slow. Some victims are extremely agitated and confused. Others can become confrontational and want to fight you or try to make you get more drugs for them. If you feel endangered, you should leave. If not, wait for the paramedics.
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 someone who has overdosed is very scary. It can be hard to think clearly instead of panicking. If possible, you need to take a second to recall the training you have had and to review the instructions on the naloxone kit. If you can do this, you might save a life.
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.
When you dial 911, you need to have certain information readily available. This is not the time to panic. You need to speak clearly and logically. You are not required to identify yourself, but you do have to tell the operator where the victim is and that you have already determined the person is unconscious. You should tell the operator what the individual has ingested, if you know.
Until the paramedics get there, you will have to administer CPR, if you know how. CPR training will teach you to bear down on the victim's chest with both hands and with arms locked. You push down at least two inches per compression. You should continue to do this until emergency personnel gets there to take over.
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.
The antidote will work if an opioid was ingested. How the victim responds upon waking can vary widely. The response can be fast or slow. Some victims are extremely agitated and confused. Others can become confrontational and want to fight you or try to make you get more drugs for them. If you feel endangered, you should leave. If not, wait for the paramedics.
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 someone who has overdosed is very scary. It can be hard to think clearly instead of panicking. If possible, you need to take a second to recall the training you have had and to review the instructions on the naloxone kit. If you can do this, you might save a life.
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.
