Update: Naloxone nasal spray (brand name Narcan) was recently approved to be available over-the-counter in the United States. Click here to read the official announcement by the FDA.
Overdoses, particularly from opioids like fentanyl and morphine, have become a major concern in many countries. They can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Explore the updated guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) to gain crucial information for both healthcare professionals and the general public on how to prevent overdose deaths. The AHA’s guidelines address various substances that can lead to cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating.
New Guidelines
The AHA’s updated guidelines, the first comprehensive review since 2010, cover the treatment of 12 common types of poisoning, including drug overdoses, chemical exposures, and interactions between different drugs. They also provide recommendations for using life-sustaining technology in cases where the heart is severely affected by a poison.
Life-Saving Technology
One of the most important advancements in poisoning treatment is ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). This technology can temporarily take over the heart’s pumping function, buying precious time for the body to eliminate the poison. While ECMO is mainly available in larger medical centers, it has proven to be a lifesaver in severe cases.
The Opioid Crisis
Opioid overdoses are becoming increasingly common, and they affect individuals with healthy hearts. People can stop breathing due to opioids, leading to cardiac arrest. In the United States, more than 75,000 individuals died from opioid overdoses in the year ending April 2021.
What You Can Do
It’s essential to be prepared to respond to an overdose, even if you’re not a healthcare professional. Here are the steps you can take:
- Call emergency services immediately (995 in Singapore).
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR.
- Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
- If opioids may be involved, administer naloxone* if available.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone, available over the counter, can reverse the effects of opioids and help restore normal breathing. It’s available as an automatic injector or nasal spray and is easy to use.
The Importance of Speed
Quick action is crucial when dealing with an opioid overdose. Starting CPR and using an AED should be priorities if you suspect an overdose, and then, if possible, administer naloxone.
Educating the Public
To save more lives, it’s essential to educate friends, family, and close contacts of those at risk of opioid overdose. Anyone can carry naloxone, and it should be widely accessible, particularly in public places.
Opioid overdoses have become a growing concern, and everyone should be prepared to respond. The updated guidelines from the AHA provide valuable information for healthcare professionals and the general public on how to prevent overdose deaths. Quick action and the widespread availability of naloxone can make a significant difference and save lives.
* Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only. Please note that naloxone is currently available only in intravenous (IV) form in Singapore and administration requires a qualified medical professional.
AED: automated external defibrillator; AHA: American Heart Association; CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; IV: intravenous
Link to the original article: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/09/18/can-you-stop-an-overdose-death-updated-guidelines-may-help
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