Calling a Provider. What to know....
? Should you call 911 ?
BEFORE YOU CALL - If emergent, Call 911 first. Do not delay. If unresponsive give nasal Narcan while someone is calling EMS.
Opiate overdose (fentanyl), Low blood sugar, Post-Seizures, and Head Trauma (assault) are the most common causes of an unconscious patient.
Giving Narcan in the nose will not hurt, even if it doesn't help. If the patient is on Insulin, check for low blood sugar.
BEFORE YOU CALL - please have as much information as you can.
1. Your Name and Facility
2. Patient Name and Age
3. Patient Complaint and Details
(ex. chest pain - sharp, dull, pressure, tightness)
4. Medication List if possible
5. Vital Signs: BP, HR, Breathing fast, Temp, O2 Sat
6. What does the patient look like to you?
Pain: Severe pain. crying, on floor, can't walk
Mild pain. walking, doesn't appear in distress
Can patient stand, walk, come to medical? Incapacitated?
Bleeding? Unconscious? Awake, Alert, Oriented?
Gross deformity or injury?
7. Seizures? How long are they lasting? Does the patient have a Hx of Seizures? Did they missed their seizure medications.
*** ALWAYS CALL 911 if you are confident the patient is having an emergency OR unresponsive, bleeding profusely or appears in life-threatening condition
Stay up to date on your CPR.
Always know where the NARCAN is located and how to administer it. A response to Narcan is very helpful and diagnostic of an opiate overdose.
