Learning the Uses and Effectiveness of Narcan for Cases of Cardiac Arrest with Frederick MD Halfway Houses

Frederick, Maryland, boasts a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Situated in the heart of Maryland, this enchanting city offers a diverse array of attractions for both visitors and locals alike. Wander through the meticulously preserved historic downtown district, where 18th and 19th-century buildings house an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. However, within the peaceful setting of Frederick, there is a noteworthy issue that needs attention: addiction and overdoses from opioids and other substances.

Opioid-related emergencies in Frederick, Maryland, have become a critical public health concern, and understanding their impact is essential. EMS protocols across 127 EMS systems in all 50 US states. It found that 85% of cardiac arrest protocols included reversible causes of cardiac arrest. Among these, 40.2% mentioned opioids, drugs, or overdose, and 22.8% specifically mentioned naloxone. Among 1,410,475 cardiac arrest hospitalizations, 3.1% had cardiac arrest with a secondary diagnosis of opioid use. In-hospital mortality was 56.7% for cardiac arrest patients with opioid use compared to 61.2% without opioid use.

In conjunction with naloxone access, expanded treatment options, and harm reduction strategies, halfway houses in Frederick can be instrumental in combating opioid misuse. These facilities provide safe and supportive housing for individuals recovering from addiction. They offer structured programs to help prevent relapse and promote awareness from the uses of Narcan and its effectiveness from cases of cardiac arrest. Maryland halfway houses can also connect residents with essential services like healthcare, employment assistance, and mental health counseling.

What is the overdose rate in Maryland?

Substance abuse overdose is a critical situation that happens when someone takes too much of a drug or medication. This can be intentional or accidental. Intentional overdoses may occur during a suicide attempt. Unintentional overdoses can happen due to mistakes in measuring the substance, mixing substances that have dangerous interactions, or unknowingly consuming a very potent form of a drug.

Opioids, especially synthetic opioids like fentanyl, are a major cause of overdose deaths in the United States. Stimulant use, including cocaine and methamphetamine, is also a growing concern. In 2021, Maryland experienced 2,737 overdose deaths, resulting in a rate of 42.8 overdose deaths per 100,000 people. This alarming statistic underscores the severity of the opioid crisis in the state.

Notably, Maryland faced a record number of fatal overdoses in 2020, with 2,773 people succumbing to drug and alcohol overdoses. This figure surpassed previous records and highlighted the devastating impact of substance misuse, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does Narcan work if your heart stops?

Narcan (naloxone) is a medication used to treat opioid overdose. It contains the active drug naloxone, which belongs to a class of drugs called opioid antagonists. When someone overdoses on opioids, Narcan works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body, effectively reversing the life-threatening effects of an overdose. It’s administered as a nasal spray, with repeat doses every 2 to 3 minutes if needed.

It’s essential to understand that Narcan is not a substitute for medical treatment. If someone receives Narcan, they should always be seen by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Many opioids last longer in the body than Narcan does, so there’s a possibility that the person may return to an overdose condition after receiving Narcan.

Specifically regarding cardiac arrests, Narcan alone is not sufficient to reverse hypoxia and cardiac arrest in a patient who has become severely hypoxic due to opioid overdose. In such cases, active oxygenation/ventilation with an iGel or endotracheal tube (ETT) is necessary. Narcan alone won’t address the underlying hypoxia and cardiac arrest, but proper airway management is crucial. While Narcan is effective in reversing opioid overdose, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and not rely solely on Narcan, especially in cases of cardiac arrest.

Do you do CPR before or after Narcan?

When you suspect an opioid overdose, administer Narcan promptly. It can be given via nasal spray or injection. Narcan works by displacing opioids from mu receptors in the brain, which helps restore the signal for breathing. As stated above, it takes several minutes for Narcan to take effect (around 2 to 3 minutes when delivered nasally).

In case of a suspected opioid overdose, the first priority is to assess the situation. Check if the person is breathing. If they are not, call 911 immediately. CPR is essential while waiting for Narcan to work or until emergency services arrive. Start CPR immediately after giving the first dose of Narcan. If the person isn’t breathing or only gasping, provide rescue breaths. If needed, combine rescue breaths with chest compressions. CPR can be a lifesaving measure, especially during those critical minutes when Narcan is taking effect.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking help from a drug treatment center in Frederick is the most effective solution. These centers provide medical supervision, therapy, and support to help individuals overcome addiction and build a healthy life.

Gaining Insight on the Effects of Narcan for Cases Cardiac Arrest with Frederick MD Halfway Houses

Narcan is a medication used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. While Narcan can be effective in reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression, it does not directly address the underlying cause of cardiac arrest, which is typically related to problems with the heart’s electrical system or circulation. 

In cases where opioid overdose is suspected as a contributing factor to cardiac arrest, administering Narcan may help improve the patient’s chances of survival by restoring breathing and circulation. Regarding opioid overdoses, Maryland, including Frederick, experienced its deadliest year on record in 2018, with 1,332 overdose fatalities between January and June. After a brief decline in overdose deaths in the first six months of 2019, Maryland’s total number of overdose fatalities rose again to 1,326 in the first six months of 2020.

Maryland halfway houses work to create supportive environments for individuals grappling with substance addiction, with a specific focus on opioid dependence and learning about the effectiveness of Narcan for cardiac arrest. If you or someone you know is considering a halfway house in Frederick as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, seeking professional guidance is highly recommended. This can offer valuable insights for making informed decisions and can greatly aid in facilitating a successful journey towards long-lasting recovery. These facilities offer a safe environment to kickstart your recovery process. Don’t hesitate to reach out and start your journey today!

Resources:

[1] Opioid-Associated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – JAMA Network

[2] Drug Overdoses in Maryland – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

[3] Narcan (naloxone) – Medical News Today