Dos and don’ts in responding to an opioid overdose

Dos and don’ts in responding to an opioid overdose

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If you suspect a person has overdosed, call 911 immediately then roll the individual onto their side. If you have Naloxone, known as Narcan®, administer it while waiting for Emergency Personnel to arrive.**

 

DO:

  • Call 9-1-1
  • Support breathing by performing rescue breathing.
  • Administer naloxone, a drug that reverses the effect of opioids, as an injection or nasal spray.
  • Place the person in recovery position on their side if breathing independently.
  • Stay with person and keep him/her warm and until help arrives.

DO NOT:

  • Slap or try to forcefully stimulate the person — it will only cause further injury. If shouting, rubbing knuckles on the sternum, or light pinching will not awaken the person, he/she may be unconscious.
  • Put the person into a cold bath or shower. This increases the risk of falling, drowning or going into shock.
  • Inject the person with any substance (salt water, milk, speed, heroin, etc).
  • Try to make the person vomit drugs that he/she may have swallowed. Choking or inhaling vomit into the lungs can cause death.

** Naloxone Kits: A drug that reverses the effect of opioids, as an injection or nasal spray. ALL friends/family should have naloxone and know how to use it.

Resources for Opioid Overdose