What medication can be administered if a casualty develops respiratory depression after OTFC?

The correct medication to administer if a casualty develops respiratory depression after OTFC (Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate) is Narcan, also known as Naloxone. This medication is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids like fentanyl affect, but it does so without activating them. By doing this, Narcan effectively reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.

Using Narcan in cases of respiratory depression from opioids is crucial because the opioid's effects can slow or stop breathing, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the body. Administering Narcan can quickly restore normal respiratory function, making it a vital emergency treatment in situations where opioid overdose is suspected.

In this context, pain relievers like ibuprofen are not suitable since they do not address the effects of opioids. Similarly, nitroglycerin is used primarily for chest pain related to heart conditions and is also not indicated for reversing respiratory depression. Fentanyl would exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it, as it is an opioid itself. Thus, in the scenario of respiratory depression following OTFC, Narcan is the appropriate and lifes