In a case of suspected fentanyl overdose, if the patient is unresponsive and making snorting sounds, what should you do after activating emergency response?

In a suspected fentanyl overdose, the priority is to address the patient’s respiratory and airway needs while also counteracting the effects of opioids. After activating emergency response, administering naloxone, if within your local protocols, is critical because it is an opioid antagonist that works to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including respiratory depression and unresponsiveness.

Additionally, providing ventilation support is essential, as the patient may not be breathing adequately due to the overdose. The combination of naloxone administration and ventilatory support ensures that you are addressing the immediate life threats posed by respiratory failure due to the overdose.

Starting high-quality CPR, powering on the AED, or reassessing the patient’s responsiveness may not be the best immediate move in this scenario. While CPR and AED use are vital in cases of cardiac arrest, the snorting sounds that indicate possible respiratory distress require urgent intervention with airway management and opioid reversal in suspected overdose situations. By focusing on ventilation and naloxone administration, you effectively address the root cause of the patient’s condition in a timely manner.