- Intentional or unintentional overdose
- Can be oral (many pill and liquid forms), injected (e.g. heroin, fentanyl), or inhaled (weaponized)
- History of substance abuse
- Depressed level of consciousness, confusion
- May occur w/co-ingestions (e.g. cocaine, stimulants), that can cause other effects
- Confusion, depressed level of consciousness, diminished response to stimuli, uncoscious
- Low respiratory rate (or absence of breathing altogether), bradycardia, hypotension (these vary w/severity)
- Decreased bowel sounds
- Rapid identification and administration of Naloxone
- Other supportive care (O2, airway management, IV access and fluids, etc).
- Typically a clinical diagnosis (needs to be rapid)
- Can be identified on tox screen