Opioid Overdoses
Opioids like Fentanyl, act on the brain by binding to, and overwhelming opioid receptors as depicted here. This can become life-threatening as breathing slows, and eventually stops all together.
The World Health Organization depicts some signs that an opioid overdose is being witnessed including:
- Pinpoint Pupils
- Unconsciousness
- Shallow/slow breathing
- Pale skin
- Blue lips
- Snoring/rasping breath
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose and isn't breathing, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Next, check if the person is responsive to verbal or painful stimuli. If they are not, administer a dose of nasal naloxone in their nostril right away.
Naloxone has a stronger attraction for opioid receptors than opioids do, so it displaces opioid molecules from the receptor sites tempo