Too high / too low of a heart beat. When to take someone to the ER?

[AWOL]

What would be considered too high or too low of a heart beat (bpm)? Like whereas your only option is to get someone to the ER? I'm sure blood pressure plays into this too a little, but we really have no way of measuring that.

This is not an imminent type question, more of an I'd like to know when one of the health care people get a chance to answer it.

[SobrietyBinge]

<useless> well if you're talking about this guy its going to be a tough call -->> http://www.healthjockey.com/2006/12/16/man-undergoes-sucessful-implantation-of-a-mechanical-heart-in-canada/
</useless>

[candy]

What would be considered too high or too low of a heart beat (bpm)? Like whereas your only option is to get someone to the ER? I'm sure blood pressure plays into this too a little, but we really have no way of measuring that.

This is not an imminent type question, more of an I'd like to know when one of the health care people get a chance to answer it.


First off, any heartbeat under 50 is too low, unless your an experienced athlete( they have heartbeat as low as in the 40's).
There are many factors to consider before you take someone to the ER. Are they awake and coherant? Are they breathing on their own or having difficultly breathing? An over dose doesn't always have to happen right away, especially when their is a mixture of opiates and other drugs such as Valium or alcohol mixed. This increases the risk of overdose and calling 911 may be a better option than you driving them in yourself! In fact it is!!!!

Calling 911 is the best option!

If you think someone is at risk of overdose and unable to stand, lie them on their right side,(this is called the recovery position) with their left leg thrown over the right leg for support. Not only does this prevent aspiration of vomit, but may assist them in breathing better. Shake them and call their name. Try pinching them hard to see if they react to pain. It is important to keep them alert if they are breathing. Continue to shake them, pinch them and if you can get them up to walk even if you have to drag them upright and hold them up. Your trying to keep them alert. Never leave them alone to sleep it off. Like I said, an overdose doesn't happen like some movie and some well meaning friends have left a friend to sleep it off. only to come back in to find them dead.
So never leave anyone unattended.

The most common cause of overdose is when 2 or more respiratory depressants, such as heroin and alcohol or heroin and valium are mixed. While it is of course possible for someone to overdose just on heroin, it is not uncommon to find they have been using other drugs that cause respiratory depression.

ONe of the clearest signs of overdose is the lips turning blue or around the face. They may have very shallow breathing, very slow pulse and be able to look at you, but not be able to respond by talking.

Don't be afraid to call 911! If you are to scared to stay, give the 911 operator as much information as possible, what they took, and exactly where to find them. And if you do leave, put them in the recovery position and leacve the door unlocked. They don't need to have to break in to find your friend. If you intend to stay, you don't have to say that someone has overdosed to the 911 operator. This will prevent alot of police from showing up. Say anything else, but do not mention overdose. When the paramedics arrive, tell them everything at that point. Most likely they will be more intent on saving your buddy than calling the cops. But it is important for them to know exactly what they took. Most often medics will only call the cops if they feel threatened, so be nice.

If you are someone who uses with more than one person, get some education. Take a CPR class.
Have a plan in place just in case and know what to do!

I hope this helps you!