Survey of Southern Wisconsin Needle Exchange Clients Regarding Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Use.
WMJ · 2019-07-01 · Observational study
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.
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Tags
Antidotes · Bystanders · Communication & handover · Naloxone · Socially vulnerable groups
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