What is the treatment for an opioid overdose?

• A. Notify captain/MedLink; deliver medical assistance; Narcan (naloxone) per protocol.
• B. Give sugar water and rest.
• C. Administer aspirin and an antacid.
• D. Offer a cold compress and fluids.

Answer: (C)

Opioid overdose shuts down breathing and consciousness, so the priority is to reverse the opioid effect quickly and get medical help. The best treatment is to administer naloxone (Narcan) exactly as protocol allows, which displaces opioids from their receptors and typically restores breathing within minutes. After giving naloxone, notify medical staff or emergency services and monitor the person closely. If breathing remains inadequate, provide rescue breaths or CPR as trained, and be prepared to administer additional naloxone doses if the protocol permits.

Sugar water, aspirin, antacids, or cold compresses don’t address the underlying opioid depression of respiration and consciousness, so they’re not appropriate treatments for an overdose. After revival, the individual should still receive medical evaluation because naloxone’s effect may wear off before the opioids have cleared, and symptoms can return.