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First Aid Glossary / First Aid Glossary
DRSABCD DRSABCD Duty of Care Duty of Care

Drug Overdose

TL;DR

Ingestion of toxic amounts of drugs, causing serious health risks or death.

What is Drug Overdose?

A drug overdose occurs when a person consumes more of a drug than the body can safely process, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Overdoses can be accidental or intentional and involve both prescription medications and illicit substances.

Symptoms of a drug overdose vary depending on the substance but can include confusion, loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such scenarios to prevent fatal outcomes. Alcohol overdose, for instance, can cause slow breathing, clammy skin, and unconsciousness, necessitating urgent hospitalization. Similarly, amphetamine and cocaine overdoses can lead to heart attacks, rapid pulse, seizures, and severe anxiety.

First aid for a drug overdose involves following the DRSABCD action plan: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation. Ensuring the safety of both the rescuer and the casualty is paramount. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, commence CPR immediately. Call emergency services for assistance and provide details about the substance taken if known.

For opioid overdoses, the administration of naloxone can be life-saving, reversing the effects of the drug and restoring normal breathing.

It is essential to transport the casualty to the hospital for further observation and treatment, even if they regain consciousness after initial first aid.

Drug Overdose</dfn>

Overconsumption of drugs leading to severe health issues or death.

First Aid for Drug Overdose

  • Call Emergency Services: Get professional help immediately.
  • Check Responsiveness: If the casualty is unresponsive, check for breathing and pulse.
  • CPR: Start CPR if needed.
  • Place in Recovery Position: If breathing but unresponsive, place the casualty in the recovery position.
  • Provide Information: Inform emergency responders about the substances taken if known.

Takeaway to remember

A drug overdose occurs when a person takes more medication or drugs than their body can handle, leading to severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Reference

DRSABCD DRSABCD Duty of Care Duty of Care