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A chain of survival for drug overdose
Matthew Robert Dernbach1, Nabarun Dasgupta2, Adams L Sibley2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
A new "overdose chain of survival" framework is proposed to improve drug overdose response. This model links emergency care with long-term prevention strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Addiction Science
Background:
- Drug overdose is a major cause of preventable death and illness globally.
- Existing cardiac arrest protocols do not fully address overdose emergencies.
- There is a need for a comprehensive approach to overdose response and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel "overdose chain of survival" framework.
- To emphasize the integration of acute care with long-term prevention strategies.
- To guide clinical care, policy, education, and research in overdose response.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual model development.
- Literature review and synthesis of existing protocols.
- Framework design encompassing six key links.
Main Results:
- The proposed six-link framework includes: prevention, recognition/activation, basic first aid, emergency treatment, post-overdose care, and recovery/secondary prevention.
- Each link identifies critical intervention and coordination points.
- The framework offers a structured, holistic approach to overdose management.
Conclusions:
- The "overdose chain of survival" provides a comprehensive model for improving immediate and long-term outcomes.
- This framework addresses systemic barriers to sustained recovery.
- It promotes integrated, patient-centered approaches adaptable to evolving drug trends.
Abstract:
Drug overdose is a leading global cause of preventable morbidity and mortality and is closely associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. While the American Heart Association's "chain of survival" has improved outcomes in traditional cardiac arrest, it does not address the unique characteristics and challenges of overdose-related emergencies. In this article, we propose a novel "overdose chain of survival" to emphasize the importance of linking acute care with long-term prevention. This six-link framework includes: (1) prevention, (2) recognition and activation of emergency services, (3) basic first aid, (4) emergency treatment, (5) post-overdose care, and (6) recovery and secondary prevention. Each link highlights opportunities for intervention and coordination across systems of care. The framework is intended to guide clinical care, policy development, education, and research. By viewing overdose through a structured and holistic lens, the overdose chain of survival seeks to improve outcomes in the immediate aftermath of an overdose and also to address systemic barriers to sustained recovery. This conceptual model is adaptable to evolving drug trends and highlights the need for integrated, patient-centered approaches to overdose response and prevention.
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