Overdose Recognition
Know the signs. Act fast.
If in doubt, always call emergency services first. You will not get in trouble for seeking help.
What To Do
Call emergency services immediately
Call 999 (UK), 911 (US), 112 (EU), or your local emergency number. Tell them someone may have overdosed.
Place them in the recovery position
Roll them onto their side with their top knee bent forward. This prevents choking if they vomit. Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.
Monitor their breathing
Watch their chest for movement. Listen for breathing sounds. If breathing stops, begin CPR if you are trained to do so.
Stay with them until help arrives
Do not leave them alone. Keep talking to them, even if they appear unconscious. Keep them warm with a blanket or jacket.
Administer naloxone if opioid overdose is suspected
If you have naloxone (Narcan) and suspect opioid overdose, administer it. It cannot cause harm even if the overdose is not opioid-related.
Tell paramedics what was taken
Be honest with emergency services about what substances were used. This information saves lives. In most places, you will not face legal consequences for calling for help.
Recognise the Signs
Stimulant Overdose
Cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, mephedrone, crystal meth
- Chest pain or tightness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Overheating (hyperthermia) -- skin feels very hot
- Seizures or convulsions
- Extreme agitation or paranoia
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
Depressant Overdose
Opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Blue or grey lips, fingertips, or skin
- Unresponsive -- does not wake when shouted at or shaken
- Gurgling or snoring sounds (airway obstruction)
- Pinpoint pupils (very small, even in dim light)
- Cold, clammy skin
- Weak or absent pulse
GHB / GBL Overdose
GHB, GBL, 1,4-BD -- the margin between a recreational dose and overdose is very narrow
- Sudden loss of consciousness -- may happen very quickly
- Vomiting while unconscious (high choking risk)
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Seizures or tremors
- Extreme confusion or disorientation before collapse
- Cannot be roused by pain or shouting
Recovery Position
The recovery position keeps an unconscious person's airway clear and prevents choking on vomit. Use it whenever someone is unconscious but breathing.
- 1Kneel beside the person. Make sure their legs are straight.
- 2Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body, elbow bent, palm facing up.
- 3Take their far hand and hold it against their cheek nearest to you.
- 4With your other hand, pull their far knee up so the foot is flat on the ground.
- 5Roll them towards you by pulling on the bent knee.
- 6Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.
- 7Make sure their bent leg is at a right angle to stabilise them.
Check their breathing regularly. If they stop breathing, call for help and start CPR.
You will not get in trouble for calling for help. In most countries, Good Samaritan laws protect people who seek emergency assistance.