Treating an Overdose |
| Overdose happens when someone accidentally, or knowingly, consumes a toxic amount of one or multiple drugs and is a medical emergency. If you think that you or another person is experiencing an overdose, it is critical to call 911 immediately. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and what to do if you think you or someone else may be overdosing is life-saving information. Some of the signs of an overdose are:
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A suspected overdose should always be treated as a medical emergency. Warning signs can include unconsciousness or inability to wake, slow or shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, bluish or gray lips or fingernails, a limp body, and very small “pinpoint” pupils. Because it can be difficult to know exactly what substance is involved, the safest response is to act quickly and call 911 right away. If opioid overdose is possible, give naloxone as soon as it is available and follow the instructions on the product. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioid pain medicines. It is safe to use even if opioids are not ultimately the cause, but it may wear off before the opioids do, so emergency medical care is still essential. | While waiting for emergency responders, try to keep the person awake and breathing. If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them on their side in the recovery position to help prevent choking. If breathing is very slow, irregular, or stops, begin rescue breathing or CPR if you are trained to do so. Do not give the person food, drinks, or other substances, and do not leave them alone. After naloxone is given, continue monitoring the person closely until help arrives. More than one dose may be needed, especially with strong synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and symptoms can return after the medication wears off. Once the immediate emergency is addressed, follow-up medical evaluation and connection to treatment or support services can reduce the risk of another overdose. |
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE SUFFERS AN OVERDOSE Step One: Call 911 Step Two: Check for responsiveness and breathing by rubbing knuckles over breastplate and checking to see if lips and/or fingertips are blue Step Three: Perform rescue breathing by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, pinching the nose. Seal their lips and give quick breaths into their mouth Step Four: If available, put the Narcan/Naloxone kit together and administer intranasally (Narcan is effective only on opioid overdose) Step Five: If no response, administer another does of Narcan/Naloxone Step Six: To prevent chocking, roll person on their side in case they vomit Step Seven: Once person starts breathing again and becomes alert, be prepared for person to be agitated or combative due to immediate withdrawal from the drug they were taking Step Eight: Wait with the person until emergency help arrives |
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