Citation

Baltes A, Devo B, Kaiser M, Birstler J, Brown RT. WMJ Wis. Med. J. 2019; 118(2): 84-87.

Affiliation

Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Wisconsin Medical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

31532934

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Factors surrounding opioid overdose and naloxone use must be explored from the user perspective in order to more effectively combat the current opioid crisis.

METHODS: AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin needle exchange clients were surveyed regarding overdose victim demographics, interventions, experience with naloxone, and overdose outcomes.

RESULTS: Most respondents (102/108, 94.4%) reported either experiencing or witnessing an overdose. While naloxone was often used (64/102, 62.7%), other recommended interventions, such as calling 911 (44/102, 43.1%) and rescue breathing (31/102, 30.4%) often were not. Potential legal consequences were cited as a major barrier for contacting emergency medical services (42.3%).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: There appears to be a need for education and/or policy change to facilitate appropriate overdose prevention and use of emergency medical services in the setting of opioid overdose.

Copyright© Wisconsin Medical Society.

Language: en