Drug Overdose First Aid

Drug Overdose First Aid

Drug Overdose First Aid – Introduction

This guide provides essential information on Drug Overdose First Aid for people in Canada. It is designed to help you respond safely and effectively if someone shows signs of a drug overdose. This information focuses on first aid and prevention, not on full medical training or advanced care.

Drug overdose occurs when a person takes more of a drug than their body can handle. This can happen with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances. Recognizing the signs early and acting quickly can save lives.

In this section, you will learn:

• What you can safely do at home to help someone experiencing an overdose
• Actions you must avoid to prevent harm
• When To Call 911 or go to the emergency department or urgent care

Always remember, if the person is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures, call 911 immediately. Do not wait or try to handle the situation alone. Emergency responders have the training and equipment needed to provide lifesaving care.

By understanding basic drug overdose first aid, you can protect yourself and others while waiting for professional help to arrive.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Key facts about Drug Overdose First Aid

• Drug overdose first aid focuses on keeping the person safe until professional help arrives.
• If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately-do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
• Check the person’s breathing and responsiveness; if they are unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway clear.
• Do not try to make the person vomit or give them anything by mouth unless instructed by emergency personnel.
• If naloxone (Narcan) is available and you are trained to use it, administer it promptly for suspected opioid overdoses.
• Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive, monitoring their breathing and responsiveness closely.
• Preventing overdoses includes safely storing medications, following prescribed doses, and seeking help for substance use concerns.

Drug Overdose First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Knowing how to spot symptoms of a drug overdose is vital for timely first aid. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and recognizing danger signs helps you act quickly and safely.

Mild symptoms

• Drowsiness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Slurred speech or impaired coordination

These symptoms may be managed at home with close monitoring. Keep the person awake and sitting up if possible. Avoid giving anything by mouth if they are drowsy or vomiting.

Moderate symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or shallow breaths
• Severe confusion or inability to respond
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures or uncontrollable shaking

Moderate symptoms require urgent medical assessment. Call your local urgent care centre or emergency department for advice. Do not leave the person alone.

Severe symptoms and red flags

• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
• Stopped breathing or no pulse
• Blue or pale skin, especially lips or fingertips
• Repeated seizures or severe agitation

If you see any of these signs, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Begin basic first aid such as placing the person in the recovery position if breathing, and be ready to perform CPR if trained and necessary.

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs quickly can save lives. When in doubt, always seek emergency help without delay. This approach is essential for effective Drug Overdose First Aid.

Immediate first aid steps for Drug Overdose First Aid

If you suspect a drug overdose, act quickly and calmly. Your immediate actions can save a life while waiting for emergency responders.

What you can do safely at home or in the community

• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the person is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures.
• Try to keep the person awake and responsive if possible. Talk to them calmly and reassure them help is on the way.
• If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway open and prevent choking.
• Remove any dangerous objects nearby to prevent injury.
• If you have access to naloxone (Narcan) and suspect an opioid overdose, administer it according to the instructions while waiting for emergency services.
• Monitor the person’s breathing and responsiveness until help arrives.

What you must avoid

• Do not try to make the person vomit or give them anything to eat or drink unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid leaving the person alone, especially if they are unconscious or semi-conscious.
• Do not attempt CPR unless you are trained and the person is not breathing or has no pulse.

Remember, drug overdose first aid focuses on keeping the person safe and breathing while waiting for professional help. Always call 911 for life-threatening symptoms or if you are unsure about the severity of the situation.

What NOT to do during Drug Overdose First Aid

When providing drug overdose first aid, certain actions can make the situation worse. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the person safe until professional help arrives.

Do NOT give anything by mouth

• Do not try to make the person vomit or give them food, drink, or medication. This can cause choking or worsen the overdose.
• Avoid giving water or any other liquids unless instructed by emergency personnel.

Do NOT leave the person alone

• Never leave someone experiencing an overdose unattended. They may lose consciousness or stop breathing suddenly.
• Stay with them and monitor their breathing and responsiveness closely.

Do NOT use physical force or restraints

• Do not try to shake, hit, or restrain the person. This can cause injury or increase agitation.

Do NOT delay calling for help

• If the person is unresponsive, has difficulty breathing, or shows signs of severe overdose, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

Remember, drug overdose first aid focuses on keeping the person safe and getting professional help quickly. Avoid unsafe actions that could worsen their condition.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care for Drug Overdose First Aid

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is crucial in a drug overdose first aid situation. Acting quickly can save a life. If you suspect someone has overdosed, assess their condition carefully.

Call 911 immediately if the person:

• Is unconscious or unresponsive
• Is not breathing or has difficulty breathing
• Has seizures or convulsions
• Has a bluish or pale skin colour, especially around lips or fingertips
• Is choking or cannot speak clearly
• Has a very slow or irregular heartbeat
• Is vomiting uncontrollably or has severe chest pain

These signs indicate a life-threatening emergency. Do not delay calling 911 or your local emergency number.

When to go to the emergency department

If the person is awake but shows serious symptoms such as confusion, severe drowsiness, or difficulty staying awake, go to the nearest emergency department. Also seek emergency care if you are unsure about the severity of the overdose.

When to visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor

If the person has taken a small amount of a drug and feels well without any worrying symptoms, you may contact a walk-in clinic or family doctor for advice. However, always monitor closely for any changes and be ready to seek emergency care if symptoms worsen.

Ongoing care and follow-up after Drug Overdose First Aid

After providing initial help for a drug overdose, ongoing care is essential to ensure safety and recovery. Monitor the person closely for any changes in their condition. Keep them awake and responsive if possible, and watch for delayed warning signs.

What to do at home

• Keep the person in a comfortable position, ideally on their side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.
• Encourage slow, deep breaths if they are conscious and able.
• Do not give any food, drink, or medication unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
• Note the time and details of the overdose event to share with medical staff later.

What to avoid

• Do not leave the person alone, even if they seem to improve.
• Avoid trying to make them vomit or giving home remedies.
• Do not delay seeking professional help if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

When to seek medical follow-up

Even if the person appears stable, book a follow-up appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Some effects of a drug overdose can appear hours or days later. Watch for symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness
• Seizures or severe headache
• Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain

If any of these occur, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Prompt medical care can prevent serious complications.

Remember, Drug Overdose First Aid does not end with the initial response. Careful monitoring and timely follow-up are key to recovery and safety.

Prevention tips for Drug Overdose First Aid

Preventing drug overdose starts with awareness and practical steps at home, work, school, and in the community. Using safety equipment, adopting healthy habits, and making environmental changes can reduce risks significantly.

At home

• Store all medications securely, out of reach and sight of children and others who may misuse them.
• Keep track of prescription doses and never share medications with others.
• Dispose of unused or expired drugs safely, following local guidelines.
• Learn the signs of overdose and have a plan to act quickly if needed.

At work and school

• Promote awareness about drug safety and overdose risks through education programs.
• Encourage open conversations about substance use and mental health support.
• Ensure access to emergency contact information and first aid supplies.

In the community

• Support local initiatives that provide safe disposal sites and overdose prevention training.
• Advocate for availability of naloxone kits and training in public places.
• Encourage neighbours and friends to watch for signs of overdose and to call 911 immediately if they suspect one.

Remember, drug overdose first aid is most effective when prevention is a priority. If you ever suspect a life-threatening overdose, call 911 or your local emergency services without delay. Do not attempt to manage severe symptoms alone.

FAQs about Drug Overdose First Aid

What should I do if I suspect a drug overdose?

If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. Stay with the person and try to keep them awake and breathing. If they are unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway clear. Do not leave them alone.

Can I give anything at home to reverse an overdose?

Do not give any medication or substances unless instructed by emergency services. Some overdoses require specific treatments that only professionals can provide safely.

When should I go to urgent care instead of calling 911?

If the person is stable, awake, and breathing normally but shows signs of mild overdose symptoms like nausea or dizziness, seek urgent care or a doctor promptly. However, if symptoms worsen or breathing slows, call 911 without delay.

How can I prevent drug overdoses at home?

• Store medications securely and out of reach of children.
• Follow prescription instructions carefully.
• Never mix drugs without consulting a healthcare provider.
• Dispose of unused medications safely.

What signs indicate a life-threatening overdose?

Call 911 if the person has difficulty breathing, is unresponsive, has seizures, or shows blue lips or face. These signs require immediate emergency care.

Drug Overdose First Aid – Summary

Drug Overdose First Aid is crucial for saving lives and reducing harm. If you suspect someone has overdosed, act quickly and calmly. At home, you can keep the person awake and breathing, and try to identify the substance involved. Do not give anything by mouth unless instructed by a healthcare professional. Avoid leaving the person alone or waiting to see if symptoms improve.

Call 911 immediately if the person:

• Is unconscious or unresponsive
• Has difficulty breathing or stops breathing
• Shows signs of severe poisoning such as seizures, chest pain, or severe confusion

While waiting for emergency responders, place the person in the recovery position if they are breathing but unconscious. Stay with them and monitor their condition closely. Remember, timely medical help is essential. When in doubt, seek urgent care or call emergency services without delay. Your quick response can save a life.

Drug Overdose First Aid – External Resources

• Health Canada – Drug Overdose Information
• Mayo Clinic – Drug Overdose First Aid
• World Health Organization – Substance Use
• Canadian Red Cross – Poisoning and Overdose

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.