Opioid Over Dose. – EMS SG

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain and produce feelings of euphoria. They are derived from the opium poppy plant or synthetically manufactured. Opioids can be prescription medications, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, or illegal substances like heroin. While they are effective pain relievers when used under medical supervision, they also carry a high risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose when misused.

History of Opioids:

The use of opioids for pain relief dates back thousands of years. The opium poppy plant was cultivated in ancient civilizations, such as Sumeria and Egypt. In the 19th century, the isolation of morphine from opium revolutionized pain management in medicine. However, the widespread use of opioids led to a significant increase in addiction and abuse cases.

Over time, pharmaceutical companies developed new synthetic opioids, aiming to create safer pain medications. Unfortunately, some of these synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, turned out to be extremely potent and led to a surge in overdose deaths during recent years.

How Overdoses Happen:

Opioid overdoses occur when an individual takes a higher dose of opioids than their body can tolerate. This can happen due to various reasons, including:

1. Tolerance: Long-term opioid use can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effect, increasing the risk of an overdose.
2. Mixing Substances: Combining opioids with other drugs, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can amplify the depressant effects and increase overdose risk.
3. Unintentional Overdose: Misreading prescription instructions or taking opioids without proper medical supervision can lead to accidental overdose.
4. Illicit Drug Purity: Street drugs like heroin are often mixed with other substances, including powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can result in a deadly overdose.

Stages of Opioid Overdose and Treatment:

Opioid overdose progresses through several stages, and timely intervention is critical to preventing fatalities. The stages typically include:

1. Initial Symptoms:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
• Pinpoint pupils
• Bluish or pale skin and lips

1. Respiratory Distress:

• Breathing becomes extremely slow and labored or may stop altogether.

Treatment by a Paramedic:

• Administer naloxone (Narcan) intranasally or intramuscularly to reverse opioid effects and restore breathing.
• Provide ventilatory support, including bag-valve-mask ventilation, if necessary.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and maintain an open airway during transportation to the hospital.

1. Cardiac Arrest (In Some Cases):

• In severe overdoses, the lack of oxygen can lead to cardiac arrest.

Treatment by a Paramedic:

• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compressions and rescue breaths as needed.
• Continue administering naloxone and supportive care.

Paramedics play a crucial role in identifying and treating opioid overdoses promptly. Naloxone administration is a vital intervention as it can reverse opioid effects and save lives. Additionally, prompt transport to the hospital ensures further evaluation and appropriate medical management.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke:

• Hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13% of all strokes and occur when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue.
• Causes may include uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
• Treatment:
  • Maintain the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
  • Control bleeding by keeping the patient’s head elevated and administering intravenous fluids judiciously to maintain blood pressure within an acceptable range.
  • If the patient is on anticoagulant medication, the paramedic may use reversal agents as appropriate.
  • Transport the patient to a neurosurgical center for specialized care.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):

• TIAs are often referred to as “mini-strokes” and are temporary blockages that resolve on their own.
• They have similar symptoms to ischemic strokes but do not cause permanent brain damage.
• Treatment:
  • Paramedics should treat TIAs as potential warning signs of a future, more severe stroke.
  • Conduct a thorough assessment, including history and physical examination.
  • Transport the patient to a medical facility for further evaluation and management to prevent future strokes.

As a paramedic, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden severe headache, and vision disturbances. Rapid identification and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the outcome for stroke patients and minimize long-term disabilities. Immediate activation of emergency medical services (EMS) and early transport to a specialized stroke center are essential steps in managing stroke patients effectively.