rave23
Bluelighter
Don't panic
that's good advice. You help everybody that is involved by doing so. An OD is frightening, but it does not have to be lethal if you react promptly, stay calm, and follow these simple steps.
Don't panic
TheodoreRoosevelt said:Yea, I dunno man. I tried to post something about how so very real the experience is, how completely shocking it is. I mean I panicked when it happened to me, I was an animal, punching the guy and everything. I tried driving him to the hospital, and then he came to like 15 minutes later.
TheodoreRoosevelt said:Why wouldn't you follow this if she's your girlfriend?
Perhaps I made this sound too impersonal, and should outline more about steps to do if you feel concerned (ie stay with the body, etc)?
No I have no clue about your story, I'll do a search. I've always considered posting a thread about drug overdose accounts, but I always decided against it because that shit is too personal. I don't know how many of us would like to relive those moments, you know.
JunglistSoldier619 said:I have worked in San Diego as a first responder and as an EMT-P for two years now and everything that is included in this is pretty much good advice.
Only two things to add: Instead of calling an overdose a cardiac emergency (which it could be in the case of a stimulant/SSRI overdose) it would be better to report it as an unresponsive subject that may/may not be breathing.
Also, concerning the dosing of naloxone, some medications (i.e. propoxyphene and pentazocine) in some cases will not even respond to doses of 2-3 mg of naloxone and more may be nessesary. I was on a run where an elderly woman had overdosed on Darvon and ended up requiring 12 mg of naloxone in total.
And, some opiates may not present the common opiate signs of overdose (coma and meiosis, or constriction of the pupils.) Propoxyphene and mepedrine are commonly known to cause dialation of the pupils and seizures.
Other than that its a great guide..
sixpartseven said:I agree.
... I would risk legal troubles just to make sure shes ok...
TheodoreRoosevelt said:Okay. So here's what I need to do:
1. Change heart attack to unresponsive subject.
2. Mention that narcan doesn't always work, so call 911 (ie sometimes too hgh a dose needed).
3. More emphasis on staying with the individual.
4. contacting my local EMT office.
SixpartSeven, I mentioned a few times that you can stay with the individual, but I guess I put more emphasis on what to do if you don't want to be there. I dunno, I think those of us like yourself probably don't need this guide as much, and this guide is moreso geared towards those who would rather run than call 911. I don't want to change that emphasis too much, but I'll try to change it around in case you really do care for the person.
rave23 you said don't walk away after calling 911 - what I'm trying to say here is that its better to walk away after calling 911 than not calling 911 at all. And considering that those who overdose are probably dealing with felony situations (ie drugs) and the true fact that police will come to a call of an overdose and will arrest people accordingly in some areas, there is good reason to put out how to keep yourself safe.