What action should you perform while waiting for emergency services after an opioid overdose?

Monitoring vital signs and providing CPR if needed is crucial while waiting for emergency services after an opioid overdose. This action ensures that the patient's condition is being actively assessed. Opioid overdoses can lead to respiratory depression, which may result in inadequate oxygenation. By monitoring vital signs, you can identify potentially life-threatening changes, such as a drop in heart rate or shallow breathing, and respond appropriately.

If the patient becomes unresponsive or exhibits signs of cardiac arrest, performing CPR is essential to maintain blood circulation and deliver oxygen to vital organs until emergency responders arrive. Additionally, this proactive approach can be life-saving and significantly improve the patient’s chances of recovery.

Administering additional doses of naloxone every minute can sometimes be necessary, but it is critical to follow the guidance of the situation and the specific product instructions. Keeping the patient from moving too much could be counterproductive if the patient's airway is compromised. Encouraging the patient to talk is generally inappropriate in cases of severe overdose, as they may be unresponsive or unable to communicate effectively.