How to save a person from an overdose:
The DO's:
- Call 911- getting help fast is very important to save a person's life
- Breathe for the person if they aren’t able to breathe from themselves
- Put the person on their side if they are breathing for themselves because they might vomit
- Make sure to stay with the person and keep them warm
The DON'Ts:
- Never waste time
- Don’t put the person into a cold shower, ice bath because it might put them into shock
- Don’t try to make the person vomit because they might choke or inhale the vomit into their lungs
Depressant or Sedative Overdose
Signs of a Depressant or Sedative Overdose:
- Mental confusion
- Unresponsive
- Snoring/Gasping for air
- Throwing up
- Hypothermia: cold and clammy skin
- Erratic breathing
- Loss of Consciousness
- Paleness or blueness of skin
What To Do If Someone is Experiencing a Depressant or Sedative Overdose:
- Call 911
- Place the individual in the "Recovery Position"
- Stay with them the entire time until Emergency Personnel Arrive
- If possible, find out what substances they had
- When the emergency personnel arrive, cooperate and answer any questions they may have
Opioid Overdose
Signs of an Opioid Overdose:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Confusion/Delirium, “acting drunk”
- Sleepiness/Inability to wake up
- Breathing problems
- Cold/clammy or bluish skin (Tip: Look for initial signs around the lips or under the fingernails)
What to Do If Someone is Experiencing an Opioid Overdose:
- Check Responsiveness
- Perform Rescue Breathing
- Administer Naloxone
- Call 911