What is DNRCRC Arrest?
A DNRCRC Arrest, also known as a Dual Narcotic Red Flag Citation and Concentrating, is a severe medical emergency that occurs when someone has overdosed on or been poisoned by substances related to drugs, pharmaceuticals, or other controlled substances. In this article, we will delve deeper into what DNRCRC is, its causes, effects, and how to treat it.
Causes of DNRCRC Arrest
A DNRCRC Arrest is typically caused by the abuse or overdose of medications or substances, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines, or synthetic opioids. These substances are designed to interact with brain chemistry and can create euphoria, relaxation, and relief from pain, which can lead to dependence or addiction. When misused, they can trigger polypharmacy and stacking, causing the individual to mix two or more substances together or take excessive amounts.
Types of substances that may trigger a DNRCRC Arrest include:
• Opioids: prescription pain relievers, heroin, codeine, morphine
• Benzodiazepines: Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Synthetic opioids: fentanyl, tramadol, sufentanil
• Pain relievers: aspirin, ibuprofen
Symptoms of a DNRCRC Arrest
When an individual has been exposed to a combination of opioids or other substances, it may trigger a DNRCRC Arrest, characterized by several severe symptoms, including:
• Respiratory depression or slow breathing
• CNS (central nervous system) depression
• Impaired mental function
• Bradycardia or tachycardia
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension
• Inhibition of gastrointestinal motility and appetite
Risk Factors for a DNRCRC Arrest
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of a DNRCRC Arrest, including:
• Past history of substance use or abuse
• Unbeknownst to users, their drug supply is compromised with synthetic opioids (i.e., fentanyl, carfentanil)
• Taking excessive quantities or combinations of drugs, or stacking multiple medications
How to Identify and Respond to a DNRCRC Arrest
Detection: The symptoms listed above serve as an indicator that the individual is experiencing a medical emergency.
Emergency Response:
Immediate attention and medical help must be provided to stabilize and reverse the effects. For non-life-threatening situations:
- Provide artificial respiration: BLS (basic life support) protocols include chest compressions, oxygen administration, or airway management to alleviate respiratory distress.
- Administer opioid-reversing medications as directed:
- Narcan (naloxone): intramuscular (IM) injection of 2-3 times 0.4 to 0.6 milligrams (mg),
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone): oral dosage administration, under medical guidance only
- Initiate treatment for severe distress:
- Stabilize the individual (seatbelt, neck injury protection, etc.) unless immediate life-threatening actions.
- Medical aid: Ambulance or urgent hospital transportation must be accessed once medical treatment is initiated and respiratory and circulatory functioning becomes stabilized.
DNRCRC Arrest Treatment in an Emergency Department
Medical practitioners may:
- Monitor vital signs and continuously watch for deterioration.
- Administer other medicines: Nalbuphine, fentanyl, and midazolam can be considered case by case, relying on expert medical discretion
- Perform basic airway management and/or endotracheal intubation under specialized guidance and equipment control (when needed)
- Pursue secondary life-threatening complications: severe infections, organ failures
Conclusion
In the context of the modern, opioid-pandemic stricken society, awareness regarding DNRCRC Arrest and its timely responses can prove lifesaving for those at risk of medication misuse, overdose, and life-threatening complications. Knowledge and training for naloxone administration, primary life support, and identification of drug-related illnesses enable lay rescuers to facilitate life-saving interventions while primary healthcare services are obtained
Resources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (CDC):
"The Overdose Reversal Medication" section provides detailed instructions.
Drug-specific websites:
- Prescription for Controlled Substances Abuse at https://rx-pcs.org/
- Information about medication misuse on opioid.org/
Narcan (Naloxone) prescribing:
- Prescribing guidance – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For your convenience: An excellent video resource demonstrating appropriate Naloxone response at https://tinyurl.com/NaloxoneAdministration
For professional or training purposes only; it’s essential to undergo hands-on training sessions when introducing rescue techniques into service
Always consult primary guidelines for professional medical providers by contacting healthcare professionals at crisis numbers and following training to guarantee accuracy and life.
