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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Overdose tips (what if scenario's)

S

shepj

Bluelighter
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
363
Location
New England - USA
First and foremost, I am not asking to use these.. this is for a hypothetical, worst-case scenario where something absolutely has to be done.

I am curious, when someone is OD'ing, what do you do (for different substances?). I am also curious, when they bring you to the hospital, what is done?

e.g. I hear they pump your stomach when you OD from alcohol and I would imagine they give you a Saline IV.

or

They give you naloxone when you are OD'ing from heroin.

So I guess, I am looking to learn about procedures and chemicals that they use for various substance OD's.

I am not curious about any in specific, so if you know of any information, please throw it in.

Thanks
 
Anti-psychotics and/or benzos are usually given for a meth overdose. At least in my experience.
 
^ It's extremely hard to overdose on benzos alone.

But activated charcoal and close medical observation is usually used when a large amount has been taken.
 
^ Yep, which goes to show the high-dopamine hypothesis behind schizophrenia is probably correct.
 
ABCs and o2 on Pts as well... we are talking non-traumatic emergencies here.

1. Pt is A/O X 2 or less and I believe that it is a possible medication OD, legal or illegal, I give a "coma cocktail" IV of medications, Narcan, Dextrose (DW50 ), Flumazenil & Thiamine usually work. The majority of these emergencies are Opiate ODs or diabetic emergencies, and there is almost always someone there that can give us some helpful info. We have to be careful because Pts waking up from either an Opiate OD or Diabetic Emergency (more from Opiate ODs) may sometimes be violent, and usually not on purpose.

2. Like 'Sweet P' said, psychotic episodes (usually amphetamine ODs) are treated with Valium 10mgs IV, with the Pt usually in restraints. LSD effects and some other psychadelics can be stopped with Valium as well.

3. Benzodiazepine ODs may be reversed with Flumazenil. I have never come across this scenario in person.

Be proactive and take a CPR course if you are going to be involved or near activities where this may happen. If it does, call EMS asap.


Be proactive and take a CPR course if you are going to be involved or near activities where this may happen. If it does, call EMS asap.
 
Mainly just maintain airway, oxygenate, and supportive. If they are concious mainly just sit it out and observe with bloods (unless the amount they have taken is of a known drug and it needs reversal). Unless its some specific drug which has been found by the od-er. Naloxone is handed out fairly freely though to whoever is out. For people who have taken too much alcohol and have passed out, give them nothing (unless they can't protect their airway), maybe dextrose if dr is in a nice mood.
 
BASEjumper said:
Be proactive and take a CPR course if you are going to be involved or near activities where this may happen. If it does, call EMS asap.
Click to expand...

I was first aid & cpr certified (I am sure it expired by now), but I figured for if some reason some shit was going down and someone needed help I would ask questions like these.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread thus far.
 
First and foremost, ALWAYS, and I mean always, CALL 911. Suck it up and save your friends life instead of worrying about if you are going to get in trouble.

But the main thing you need to know during an opiate overdose is ABC & CPR.

Airway - Keep the airway open
Breathing - Watch for the rise & fall of the chest. Also, listen to hear for breaths from the nose/mouth.
Circulation - Keep an eye on their pulse. Use the Carotid artery by the neck (but be careful not to close the airway) or check the radial (down by the wrist).

If there is no breathing, begin CPR. CPR is 2 breaths, followed by 30 compressions, 5 times (or 2mn). After the fifth time, re-check your ABC. If still no breathing, continue CPR until paramedics arrive.
 
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