J Emerg Med
-
The current standards for domestic emergency medical services suggest that all patients suspected of opioid overdose be transported to the emergency department for evaluation and treatment. This includes patients who improve after naloxone administration in the field because of concerns for rebound toxicity. However, various emergency medical services systems release such patients at the scene after a 15- to 20-min observation period as long as they return to their baseline. ⋯ The existing literature suggests a "treat and release" policy for suspected prehospital opioid overdose might be safe, but additional research should be conducted in a prospective design.