What should EMTs inform the family when asked to administer naloxone for alcohol intoxication?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist primarily used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, such as respiratory depression or sedation caused by substances like heroin, morphine, or prescription opioids. When informing family members about its use, EMTs must clarify that naloxone does not have any effect on alcohol intoxication. For this reason, recognizing that naloxone is effective specifically for opioid overdoses helps to maintain transparency and ensures that the family understands the limitations of the medication.

Although naloxone is a life-saving drug when dealing with opioid overdose situations, it does not counteract the effects of alcohol or address the potential complications arising from alcohol intoxication. Therefore, it is crucial for the family to be aware that naloxone will not aid in the treatment of an alcohol-related emergency, ensuring they have realistic expectations regarding the interventions being provided by the EMTs.