A Case Report of a Novel Harm Reduction Intervention Used to Detect Opioid Overdose in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: As over 130 people die daily from opioid overdose in the United States, harm reduction strategies have become increasingly important. Because public restrooms are a common site for opioid overdose, emergency department waiting room restrooms (EDWRR) should be considered especially high-risk areas. Case Report: We present the case of a patient found after a presumed opioid overdose in our EDWRR. Staff were alerted to his condition by a reverse motion detector (RMD), and rapidly treated him with naloxone. Conclusion: The RMD is a novel intervention that can save lives and should be considered in EDs with a high incidence of opioid overdose.