What is a primary action to take during an opioid overdose?

Study for the Denver Health EMT Practice Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with helpful hints and explanations. Get set to ace your exam!

During an opioid overdose, the primary action to take is to administer Narcan, also known as naloxone. Narcan is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose, particularly respiratory depression, which is a critical and life-threatening condition. Opioids can significantly suppress the respiratory system, leading to inadequate oxygenation and potentially death.

By administering Narcan, the opioid receptors in the brain are blocked, which can restore normal breathing and consciousness within minutes. This can be life-saving, especially while awaiting further medical assistance. It is essential for anyone trained in emergency medical response, such as EMTs, to carry Narcan and understand its proper use in cases of suspected opioid overdose.

While other options may be relevant in different medical contexts, they do not address the immediate life-threatening aspects of an opioid overdose. Giving food is not suitable since the patient may be unconscious or unable to swallow safely. Performing CPR might be necessary if the patient is in cardiac arrest, but the primary concern with an opioid overdose is the respiratory depression that Narcan targets. Checking blood pressure is not a primary intervention and can wait until the patient is stabilized. Thus, administering Narcan is the most critical and direct approach to address an opioid overdose.

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