Opioid Overdose
- afinch85
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
In this post, we will be discussing opioids, how to recognize an overdose, what to do until 911 arrives, and available resources if you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction.
What is an opioid? An opioid is a chemical that interacts with receptors in the brain and body to reduce pain signals and feelings of pain. And while they are prescribed for moderate to severe pain, they have effects on other body systems and can cause life threatening symptoms if not taken as prescribed or obtained illegally. There are three ways that an opioid is made:
1. Natural. These are also referred to as opiates. These are derived directly from poppy plants. The most common are morphine, codeine, and heroin.
2. Semi-synthetic. Take the chemicals derived from the poppy plant and make minor changes in a lab setting. The most common include oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and oxymorphone.
3. Synthetic. Active ingredients are completely made in a lab setting. The most common include fentanyl and methadone.
Regardless of how the medication is made, they all have the same potential for addiction and abuse.
When trying to determine if someone is experiencing an overdose, use the acronym BLUE.
Breathing: breathing can be shallow, irregular, have snoring/gurgling sounds, or be completely absent
Lips: Lips and fingertips can be blue due to lack of oxygen
Unresponsive: the person will not respond to verbal or physical stimulation
Eyes: the person's pupils will be pinpoint, or unnaturally small.
First Aid:
1. Determine if the person in awake. Start with shouting their name. If no response, take your knuckles and rub them forcefully in the middle on the chest on the sternum. If the person can be aroused, call 911 and try to keep the person awake and talking.
2. If no response to stimulation, check to see if the person is breathing. This can be done by looking at the chest or placing a hand on the chest to feel for movement. You can also place your ear by the person's nose and mouth. If the person is not breathing or breathing inadequately, call 911 and then deliver a breath every 6 seconds.
3. If the person is not breathing, check for a pulse. This is most effective when feeling to the right or the left of the throat with two fingers. If no pulse, call 911 and begin CPR immediately.
If Naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer as soon as possible. Click on the link below to watch a video on how to administer nasal Naloxone.
In the state of Virginia, a person who has called 911, for themselves or another person, for an overdose is immune from being prosecuted as long as they remain on scene or at the location of the overdose and are cooperative with EMS and law enforcement.
Are you, or someone you know, struggling with addiction? The following links below are resources for getting help. You may also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
Disclaimer: The above information and associated graphics are not meant to be taken as advice over that given by a medical professional. If you feel that yourself or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to dial 911.
Resources:
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