Emergencies

What to Do if Someone Is Overdosing

2025-10-19

Intro

Opioid overdoses can happen suddenly and silently. Knowing the warning signs — and how to respond — can mean the difference between life and death.

Key Points

• Overdose = not breathing or very slow breathing.
• Call emergency services immediately — time is critical.
• Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available.
• Stay and support breathing until help arrives.

Recognizing the Signs

• Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Pale, clammy, or bluish skin (especially lips or fingertips)
• Unconsciousness or inability to wake
• Gurgling, snoring, or choking sounds

If you see these signs: assume overdose and act fast.

What to Do

1. Call emergency services immediately.
2. Administer naloxone. Use nasal spray or injection form if trained.
3. Perform rescue breathing:
   • Tilt head back, lift chin, pinch nose, give one breath every 5 seconds.
4. Place the person in recovery position (on their side) if breathing resumes.
5. Stay until help arrives.

If there’s no naloxone: continue rescue breathing and monitor closely.

Aftercare

Even after revival, medical care is essential — naloxone wears off after 30–90 minutes, and respiratory depression can return.

Prevention Tips

• Never use opioids alone.
• Test substances for fentanyl when possible.
• Avoid mixing opioids with alcohol, sedatives, or benzodiazepines.
• Keep naloxone accessible and train family or friends to use it.

FAQ

Q: Can I get in trouble for calling emergency services?
A: Many regions have Good Samaritan laws protecting people who report overdoses.

Q: Can naloxone harm someone who isn’t overdosing?
A: No — it only reverses opioid effects.

Q: What if the person doesn’t wake up?
A: Continue rescue breathing and repeat naloxone every 2–3 minutes if available.

Further Reading

• Guide: Drug Health & Safety
• CDC — Stop Overdose
• WHO — Community Management of Opioid Overdose

• #overdose
• #first aid
• #opioids
• #naloxone