Common Street Drugs: Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• GHB is a CNS depressant/anesthetic. Ingestion may result in respiratory & CNS depression. Maintain airway patency; support w/ oxygenation & ventilation if necessary.
  • Rapid sequence intubation if hypoxic or severe respiratory depression
  • Short-acting neuromuscular blockade indicated to prevent stimulation combativeness
• Initiate cardiac monitoring & observe for bradycardia.
  • Treat hemodynamically significant bradycardia w/ atropine.