| The initial treatment for a suspected opioid overdose begins with aggressive airway management. Patients of a suspected overdose, as described previously, will present with constricted or “pinpoint” pupils, respiratory depression (agonal breathing) and tachycardia. Patients may be diaphoretic and present with an abnormal skin color (pale, clammy). Providing artificial ventilation with the use of a bag-valve-mask will prevent further hypoxia from occurring as a result of the respiratory depression. These initial airway interventions can make a difference in the overall survival rate of patients. | |
