What should an OEC technician do next for a patient on the AVPU scale who has overdosed and is unresponsive?

In a situation where a patient is unresponsive due to an overdose, the most appropriate next step is to perform a shoulder pinch. This action is part of the AVPU scale, which is a quick assessment tool used to determine a patient's level of consciousness. The "P" in AVPU stands for "pain," and applying a painful stimulus helps to assess the patient's responsiveness.

The shoulder pinch acts as a stimulus that can help the technician ascertain whether the patient reacts in any way, which is critical for determining the urgency of the situation and the necessary interventions. If the patient responds to the pinch, it provides important information about their level of consciousness and potential level of brain function.

While calling for advanced medical support is crucial during an overdose scenario, especially when the patient is unresponsive, it is also vital to assess the patient's current state first by applying a painful stimulus. Administering oxygen and checking for medical alert tags are also important, but these actions may follow the initial assessment of responsiveness to ensure appropriate care is provided based on the patient's immediate condition. Ensuring that the patient is appropriately assessed before moving on to other interventions is essential in emergency care.