Opioid Overdose : What to Look For and What to Do
It is important to know the signs of an opioid overdose to act quickly and save a life. Signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
- Faint heartbeat
Overdose Response Steps
- Check for a response.
- Administer naloxone.
- Call 9-1-1 and support the person’s breathing.
- Wait for EMS to arrive.
If an overdose is suspected, quickly attempt to stimulate a response in the individual. If there is no response, follow these important next steps:
-
Administer naloxone or other Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication (OORM).
Naloxone WILL NOT cause harm to a person if they are not experiencing an overdose. It is safer to give the medication than not to. If the person does not respond after 2 to 3 minutes, administer a second dose of naloxone. You may continue to give doses every 2 to 3 minutes until the person starts breathing. -
Call 911 and support the person’s breathing.
If you are able, give the individual rescue breaths. When breathing returns, roll the person onto their side with the top leg bent to support them. -
Wait for emergency medical services to arrive.
It is important to know that naloxone wears off after 30 to 60 minutes and overdose symptoms may return. Leaving a person alone after administering naloxone could still result in overdose death. The individual needs to receive medical attention and go with emergency personnel.
