An overdose on opioids can be a life-threatening event. If you encounter someone who has overdosed on opioids, it is crucial to know how to respond. The first step is to call 911. Then, administer Narcan if you have it available. Narcan is a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Keep the person comfortable and monitor their breathing until help arrives.
It is essential to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose; they are as follows:
• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
• Limp body
• Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow, irregular, or no breathing
• Pale, blue, cold, or clammy skin
• Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
• Slow or no heartbeat
• Very small or “pinpoint” pupils
If these signs are suspected, begin by trying to wake the person by speaking loudly or rubbing the breastbone with knuckles. If the individual does not respond, administer Narcan if it is available. Administer a second dose of Narcan if the person is still unresponsive after 2-3 minutes and professional emergency responders have not arrived.
If the person is not breathing or responding, immediately offer first aid. Do this by positioning the body so that the airway is open. Offer rescue breathing, and if you are trained, begin performing CPR. Continue to perform CPR until medical professionals arrive or until the Narcan starts to work. Note that it may take 5 minutes or more for signs of overdose to reverse.
Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has overdosed on opioids.