Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression (OIRD), usually caused by opioid use or post-operative complications from anesthesia, occurs when the opioids desensitize the brain stem to rises in CO2, which can rapidly lead to full-blown respiratory failure. Given the growing number of 911 calls due to opioid abuse and subsequent respiratory...
EMS1 ContributorA review of the performance of ketamine in the agitated or excited delirium patient with an acute and potential life-threatening medical conditionBy Robert L. Dickson, Guy R. Gleisberg, and John E. Hancock
The Montgomery County Hospital District initiated a ketamine use clinical guideline in 2010 and has been collecting...
EMS1 SponsoredEMS providers need to understand the importance of airway management and monitoring for respiratory compromise along with naloxone administration for opioid overdoses
By Bob Sullivan
Timely recognition, airway management, administration of naloxone (Narcan), and continuous assessment of oxygenation and ventilation can be...