What should an EMT do to help a patient who has overdosed on a narcotic?

Administering naloxone is the appropriate intervention for a patient who has overdosed on a narcotic. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that works by reversing the effects of opioids in the nervous system, effectively restoring the patient's respiratory drive and consciousness if they are experiencing respiratory depression due to an overdose.

The use of naloxone can be lifesaving, especially in situations where the patient is unresponsive or has significantly decreased breathing due to narcotic use. EMTs are often trained and allowed to administer naloxone in such scenarios, as it is a critical part of the emergency response for suspected opioid overdoses.

Other options would not address the immediate life-threatening effects of a narcotic overdose effectively. For example, vitamin K is used to treat certain types of bleeding and does not have any role in opioid overdoses. Encouraging the patient to drink water may not be beneficial and could lead to aspiration if the patient is not alert enough to swallow properly. Applying a cold compress to the forehead does not address the underlying issue and would not provide the necessary medical intervention required in an overdose situation.