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TL;DR

Naloxone (Narcan): Opioid antagonist reversing respiratory depression and sedation from opioid overdose. May require repeat dosing.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Naloxone (Narcan)

NREMT EMTNREMT PARAMEDIC

Definition

Opioid antagonist reversing respiratory depression and sedation from opioid overdose. May require repeat dosing.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Protocol steps for naloxone (narcan):

Pediatric weight-based dosing: Broselow tape for length-based weight estimation in emergencies

Related Procedures

Procedures related to naloxone (narcan) in the EMS setting:

  1. AHA ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm: CPR then rhythm check then shock if VF/pVT then epinephrine q3-5min then amiodarone
  2. STEMI protocol: 12-lead ECG within 10 min then aspirin 324mg then NTG if SBP >90 then notify cath lab then transport code 3

Overview

Opioid antagonist reversing respiratory depression and sedation from opioid overdose. May require repeat dosing. Naloxone indications, route, dose, and redosing tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.

In prehospital assessment, SpO2 reference range: adult 95-100%, pediatric 95-100%. Deviations from these norms guide treatment decisions in the field.

Patient Communication

Communication about naloxone (narcan) in the prehospital setting includes: explaining procedures to the patient in simple terms, obtaining informed consent when possible (implied consent for unresponsive patients), providing a calm and reassuring presence, and delivering a structured handoff report (SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to the receiving facility.

Why It Matters

Naloxone indications, route, dose, and redosing tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.

Related Terms

Toxicology (EMS)Airway ManagementPharmacology (Paramedic)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What protocol applies to naloxone (narcan) in prehospital care?▼
For naloxone (narcan): STEMI protocol: 12-lead ECG within 10 min then aspirin 324mg then NTG if SBP >90 then notify cath lab then transport code 3
What vital signs should be monitored when assessing naloxone (narcan)?▼
For naloxone (narcan): SpO2: 95-100%. GCS: 15 is normal, under 8 = severe TBI. blood pressure: 90/60-120/80 mmHg. Reassess every 5 minutes for unstable patients.
What medications are commonly associated with naloxone (narcan)?▼
For naloxone (narcan): naloxone: 0.4-2mg IV/IM/IN, titrate to respirations, route IV, IM, IN, for Opioid overdose. midazolam: 2-5mg IV/IM, 0.2mg/kg IN, route IV, IM, IN, for Seizures, sedation.