What should be the priority action for a patient who has overdosed on opioids?

The priority action for a patient who has overdosed on opioids is to administer Narcan if opioid overdose is suspected. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by displacing opioids from their receptors in the brain, thereby restoring normal respiratory function and consciousness in the affected individual.

In the context of an opioid overdose, the patient's airway is often compromised due to decreased consciousness and respiratory drive. Administering Narcan can be a life-saving intervention that immediately addresses these critical issues. Ensuring the patient starts breathing again is the most urgent concern, and Narcan is specifically designed for this purpose.

Other actions, while potentially important in a broader medical context, should follow the immediate administration of Narcan in suspected cases of opioid overdose. For instance, performing CPR might be necessary if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing effectively, but it does not address the underlying issue of opioid receptor blockage. Providing IV fluids could be relevant in cases of dehydration or circulatory shock, but this does not directly treat opioid overdose. Similarly, calling for air transport is not a primary action; immediate on-scene management of the patient's airway and breathing takes precedence before considering transport options