// EMERGENCY PROTOCOL — OPIOID OVERDOSE

Opioid Overdose Response

Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression — breathing slows or stops. Recognizing signs early and acting immediately saves lives. This page covers recognition, naloxone use, and post-overdose care.

CALL 911 FIRST if someone is unresponsive or not breathing normally. Good Samaritan laws in most US states protect callers seeking emergency help for overdoses.
// RECOGNITION

Signs of Opioid Overdose

--- OVERDOSE INDICATORS ---
RESPONSE:Unresponsive to voice or sternal rub
BREATHING:Slow, shallow, or absent (<1 breath / 5 sec)
SOUNDS:Gurgling, snoring, or choking noises
SKIN:Blue/gray lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
PUPILS:Very small ("pinpoint") — not always present
// RESPONSE SEQUENCE

Step-by-Step Overdose Response

  1. Try to rouse — Call their name loudly. Rub knuckles firmly on the sternum (sternal rub).
  2. Call 911 — Do not delay. Tell dispatch it is a possible overdose and whether the person is breathing.
  3. Administer naloxone (Narcan) — Nasal spray: one spray in one nostril. Injectable: follow kit instructions. Second dose after 2–3 minutes if no improvement.
  4. Rescue breathing — If not breathing: tilt head back, lift chin, give one breath every 5 seconds.
  5. Recovery position — If breathing but unconscious, place on their side to prevent choking.
  6. Stay — Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes; overdose may return with long-acting opioids.
// NALOXONE

About Naloxone (Narcan)

[ NALOXONE FACTS ]

01Reverses opioid overdose only — no effect if opioids are not involved
02Available without prescription in most US states at pharmacies and harm reduction programs
03Cannot be abused — safe to give even if unsure whether opioids were used
04May cause withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent people — this is not life-threatening
05Find free naloxone: naloxone.org
// PREVENTION

Overdose Prevention

01Test substances with fentanyl test strips before use
02Never use alone — call Never Use Alone: 1-800-484-3731
03Do not combine opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or GHB
04After any break in use, start with a much smaller dose

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