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I debated sharing but decided there are important lessons within. Yesterday, I came face-to-face w/ the #overdose epidemic. Shortish story... I was one of the first people on the scene of two 40-ish men slumped over in their work van that was stopped on the hwy.
Alone with kids in the car, I was waved down by a panicked commuter. I stopped & was joined by two other men. Both driver & passenger were unresponsive. Driver had shallow breathing but passenger had no pulse or respiration. We pulled him out of the car & I started 2-person CPR.
It was evident they had overdosed. While I keep a trauma/GSW kit in the car, I do not carry #Naloxone. So all we could do is continue CPR (about 6 cycles) before EMTs arrived, at which point he had a weak radial pulse. Shaken, I shook hands & went on my way. So lessons/thoughts:
1) Everyone should have CPR & first aide training. The more the better. See Red Cross: redcross.org/take-a-class. I also recommend the #StopTheBleed course bleedingcontrol.org for responding to trauma & an ifak darkangelmedical.com/pocket-d-a-r-k…
2) The #opioid #epidemic is out of control. You never know when you could come upon a similar scene. Do you part & order #Naloxone for free & carry it with you: naloxoneforall.org. I have always meant to order it but never have. That changed yesterday.
3) 1st rule of first aide, assign someone to call 911. Never assume. When I showed up, that was the first question I asked. Everyone shook their head no. So I dialed 911 and handed off my phone.
4) Last, I can’t sing enough praise to police, EMTs, & other healthcare professionals who deal with this stuff every single day. That must take an amazing level of mental fortitude. Thank you!
End thread. Sorry to be so poignant on Easter, but as you can imagine, this has been on my mind. This is unfortunately one epidemic I don’t see ending soon.
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