Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Overdose (Drug Abuse) First Aid

Overdose first aid need something fast treatment. Based on specific drugs, it can cause death. This article provide introduction of overdose (drug abuse), prevention, and first aid treatment.
Misuse (overuse) of any medication (drug) is called drug abuse. It can cause by drugs (interactions) that you bought with or without doctor's recipe.


What should we know about drug (for prevention)
  • read the instructions (dose, time)
  • care about drug interactions (meal, antibiotics, milk, activity, other drugs)
  • give an intention to an adverse effect/side effects
  • addiction effect can happen (eg. cocaine for reducing pain)
  • withdrawal symptoms (overdose, suddenly stopping it)

Most common symptoms
  • reddish face
  • heavy sweating
  • nausea, vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • low pulse
  • difficulty breathing
  • tremor, agitation, convulsions, ataxia
  • pupil size abnormality
  • hallucinations
  • coma

Overdose (drug abuse) first aid
  • first, don't panic if you find this condition
  • give focus in airway, breathing, and circulation (you can call medical assistance immediately)
  • take a recovery position (keep warm)
  • quick finding of shock condition (decreasing pulse, cold, palenes)
  • monitoring vital signs (pulse, breathing, blood pressure)
  • find and save taken drugs