Opioid Overdose Deaths & CPR Training | CPR Certification Solutions

Opioid Overdose Deaths in the U.S. & How CPR Training Saves Lives

Drug overdose is a leading cause of death in the United States, driven largely by the ongoing opioid epidemic.

In 2015, more than 52,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, making overdoses the leading cause of death among people under age 50. By 2022, overdose deaths surged to 107,941, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids responsible for the majority of fatalities.

According to provisional CDC data, overdose deaths declined in 2024 to approximately 80,000–81,700 deaths, marking the largest year-over-year reduction in decades. Despite this progress, opioid overdoses remain a major public health emergency across the U.S.

How Opioid Overdoses Cause Death

Opioids suppress the brain’s respiratory center, leading to respiratory depression, slowed breathing, and possible death. The risk of fatal overdose increases significantly when opioids are combined with alcohol or sedatives.

Key Opioid Overdose Symptoms

• Pinpoint pupils

• Unconsciousness

• Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing

What to Do During an Opioid Overdose Emergency

Fast action can save a life:

• Call 911 immediately

• Check for breathing

• If not breathing, begin CPR

• If trained in BLS and a pulse is present, provide rescue breaths every 5–6 seconds

• If breathing but unresponsive, place the person in the recovery position

Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses, but powerful opioids like fentanyl may require multiple doses. The American Heart Association advises that CPR and rescue breathing should never be delayed while administering naloxone.

Why CPR Certification Solutions Is Essential

Immediate bystander CPR dramatically improves overdose survival rates. CPR Certification Solutions offers American Heart Association–aligned CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, empowering individuals and professionals to respond confidently to overdose and cardiac emergencies.

🔗 Get certified or learn more at: https://www.everyoneshould.com/

When seconds matter, CPR training saves lives.