Emergency Care

Emergency care for all types of drug overdose

Taking more than the recommended amount of a drug – overdosing – puts a toxic level of the drug in your body. Drug overdoses can be intentional or accidental. While most people think that drug overdosing just happens with illegal drugs, it’s possible with just about any kind, including over-the-counter medicines.

Drug overdoses can lead to life-threatening complications that require emergency medical care. Goshen Hospital Emergency Department has a team of board certified physicians and nurses who are experienced in fast treatment for drug overdose in Goshen, IN. If you suspect an overdose (OD) of any kind of substance, call 911 or come to our emergency room on High Park Avenue for exceptional care.

What are drug overdose symptoms?

The signs of a drug OD can vary and depend on what drugs were taken. Look for these drug overdose symptoms:

  • Stimulants (uppers) – fast breathing, high heart rate and agitation
  • Narcotics and depressants (downers) – extreme drowsiness, breathing problems and unconsciousness
  • Hallucinogens – behavioral and mental changes such as paranoia, aggression and hallucinations
  • Marijuana – impaired motor skills
  • Legal prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs – create serious side effects when they reach toxic levels

Drug overdose treatment at our ER

If you are with someone who has overdosed, call 911 and follow these tips until help arrives:

  • Keep the person calm and comfortable.
  • Prevent them from taking more drugs.
  • Don’t endanger yourself if the person is aggressive or out of control.
  • If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary until medical personnel arrive.

How we treat drug overdose at our emergency room depends on the type of drugs and the person’s symptoms. We perform tests to gather more information and provide treatments that help flush the toxins from the body and support breathing.

Any trip to the emergency room can be scary. Our staff works together to deliver our patients compassionate care and clinical expertise.

Serving Elkhart County, Goshen Hospital Emergency Department treats drug overdose in Goshen, IN.