Respond to an Overdose
Learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
What does an
overdose look like?
Do you know how to tell when someone is having an overdose? Look for these signs and symptoms.
NOT MOVING
The person isn’t moving and can’t be woken up.
SLOW BREATHING
The person is breathing very slowly or not breathing at all.
BLUE LIPS
The person’s fingernails or lips are turning blue, grey or purple.
CHOKING SOUNDS
The person is making unusual sounds, like choking, gurgling, gasping or heavy snoring sounds.
COLD AND CLAMMY
The person’s skin feels cold and clammy to the touch.
TINY PUPILS
The person’s pupils look tiny.
How to help.
If someone is having an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away.
Your positive action could save a life. The Good Samaritan Act protects people who call 9-1-1 about overdoses.
Next, follow these steps.
STIMULATE
Try to wake the person. Call their name and squeeze their fingertips, or the muscle between their neck and shoulder. If you can’t wake the person, or if you aren’t sure, call 9-1-1 right away.
AIRWAY CHECK
Check that the person is breathing normally, and check for a pulse (heartbeat). Make sure their airway is clear and remove anything in their mouth. Tilt their head back and open their mouth.
VENTILATE
Help the person breathe by pinching their nose closed and breathing into their mouth one every five seconds. You can use a breathing mask if you have one.
EVALUATE
Is the person breathing normally (one breath every five seconds)? If not, get ready to use naloxone.
MEDICATION
Prepare a 1 mL (one millilitre) dose of naloxone. Your kit may include a nasal spray or an injectable liquid—follow the steps to administer it.
EVALUATE AGAIN
If the person is still not breathing normally (one breath every five seconds), give another dose. Keep in mind that naloxone only works for a while. If the drugs are still in the person’s system when the naloxone wears off, they may go back into overdose and need another dose of naloxone.
Aftercare
Put the person on their side and stay with them until emergency services arrive.
Naloxone wears off between 30 and 120 minutes and the overdose can return.
Get naloxone and use it.
Kits and training are available from Toward the Heart. You can't overdose on naloxone, and using it on someone who isn't having an opioid overdose will not harm them.
Stay Safer During the Toxic Drug Crisis
As BC continues to face this public health emergency, it is important to consider ways to stay safer if you use drugs.
Talking to Young People About Drugs
Talking with young people openly and honestly about substance use is a great way to start. Here are a few ways you can learn, connect and support.
Addictions Treatment and Recovery in BC
Recovery can look different for everyone. Learn more about the variety of supports available.
Resources
Showing 6 Resources
Lifeguard App
Provides a free phone app that brings emergency responders to people who may be having an overdose on drugs while alone. Provided in partnership with regional health authorities and Lifeguard Digital Health.
The app is activated by the user before they take their dose. If the user doesn't hit a button after a set amount of time, a text-to-voice call will go to 9-1-1, alerting emergency medical dispatchers of a possible overdose.
Naloxone Information and Support
Learn how to use naloxone to help stop an overdose and save lives. Pick up a free naloxone kit at a location near you.
Overdose Prevention Sites Listings (Toward the Heart)
Locations where people can safely use drugs under supervision of staff trained in emergency response. Services are free.
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
Free access to primary and mental health care closer to home for First Nations people who have limited or no access to doctors.
Drug Checking Sites (BCCSU)
The drug supply in B.C. is extremely toxic. Use free drug checking services at supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites.
Foundry Virtual
Provides access to virtual services through an app and web portal for youth and their caregivers in BC. Services are free and confidential.
Use the app to access same-day virtual services or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, find peer support, access primary care, join a group or workshop for youth or caregivers, or browse a library of tools and resources.