Paramedics in Indianapolis Suburb Turn to Nitrous Oxide as Fentanyl Alternative

The Times of Northwest Indiana Paramedics in the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers are now providing nitrous oxide instead of fentanyl to patients in pain, the first department in the state to make the switch. Read more at The Times of Northwest Indiana   Switch Designed to Combat Epidemic of AddictionThe move is expected to reduce the amount of fentanyl administered to injured patients by about two-thirds, reducing the risk of addiction and eliminating harmful side effects, said Fishers Fire Capt. The nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," will only be used in certain instances, such as for broken bones, Mehling told reporters, with fentanyl still in use for patients with abdominal pain, head injuries, and collapsed lungs. According to the CDC, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is approved for treating severe pain, however the opioid may lead to abuse and overdose, including to first responders who are exposed to it at emergency scenes.
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Patient Care News Source Type: news