In suspected opioid overdose, what is the immediate action after checking responsiveness and respirations if the patient is not breathing adequately?

• A. Administer Narcan
• B. Start CPR
• C. Rescue breaths
• D. Call for help

Answer: (C)

When someone may have an opioid overdose and isn’t breathing adequately, the first priority is to restore ventilation. Rescue breaths deliver air to the lungs, oxygenating the blood and buying time for the overdose to be reversed and for additional help to arrive. Give one breath about every 5 to 6 seconds (roughly 10–12 breaths per minute) for an adult, making sure each breath lasts about a second and causes visible chest rise. Open the airway correctly and ensure the airway is clear before each breath. While you provide ventilation, arranging for naloxone administration and calling for help are important, but oxygenation comes first. If there’s no pulse, you would proceed to CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths.