A chain of survival for drug overdose

Matthew Robert Dernbach1, Nabarun Dasgupta2, Adams L Sibley2

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Resuscitation Plus
|July 24, 2025
PubMed

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.

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