How should a person respond to an overdose?

How to Respond to an Overdose
  1. ​STEP 1: CALL FOR HELP (CALL 911) ...
  2. STEP 2: CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OPIOID OVERDOSE. ...
  3. STEP 3: SUPPORT THE PERSON'S BREATHING. ...
  4. STEP 4: ADMINISTER NALOXONE (if you have access to it) ...
  5. STEP 5: MONITOR THE PERSON'S RESPONSE. ...
  6. Do's and Don'ts in Responding to Opioid Overdose.
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What are the six steps to respond to an overdose?

You'll find more info on each of these steps below.
  1. Stimulate them awake by yelling their name and administering a hard sternum rub to the chest plate.
  2. If you have naloxone/Narcan, use it. ...
  3. Call 911, explain someone is not responsive and not breathing.
  4. Provide rescue breathing.
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How do you deal with someone who is overdosing?

How to respond to an overdose using Naloxone
  1. Check for signs of an overdose. Slowed or stopped breathing. ...
  2. Call 911. Call 911. ...
  3. Give Naloxone. Place tip into one nostril of person's nose. ...
  4. Give rescue breaths. Make sure mouth is clear. ...
  5. Stay until help arrives. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until help arrives.
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What should I do immediately after overdose?

Drug Overdose Treatment
  • Call 911 if the person has:
  • Begin CPR, if Necessary.
  • Contact Poison Control.
  • Collect Drug or Pills.
  • Follow Up.
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How many pills is too much?

Taking more than five medications is called polypharmacy. The risk of harmful effects, drug interactions and hospitalizations increase when you take more medications. 2 out of 3 Canadians (66%) over the age of 65 take at least 5 different prescription medications.
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How to Respond to an Overdose During COVID-19



What happens when you go to the hospital for overdose?

Hospital Overdose Treatments Can Vary

A medication called naloxone completely reverses the effects of opioids, almost instantly fixing the overdose. Naloxone can wear off, however, making continuous medical monitoring important.
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What do you say when someone ODS?

What to Say In-Person or on the Phone to Someone Who Lost a Child to a Drug Overdose
  1. “There are no words to take away your pain. I am thinking of you.” ...
  2. “[Name] was such a kind, caring person. ...
  3. “This loss is terrible news. ...
  4. “I am so sorry. ...
  5. “I'm always here for you. ...
  6. “I'm at a loss for words.”
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What is the first step of responding to a suspected opioid overdose after determining they are unresponsive?

AN OPIOID OVERDOSE NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

(EMS) or other trained personnel is on the scene, activate the 911 emergency system immediately. All you have to say is “Someone is unresponsive and not breathing.” Be sure to give a specific address and/or description of your location.
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How do you know if someone is overdosing?

Signs of an overdose include:
  1. Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness.
  2. Slowed or stopped breathing.
  3. Snoring or gurgling sounds.
  4. Cold or clammy skin.
  5. Discolored lips or fingernails.
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What happens when you call 911 for an overdose?

If you call 911 or if someone is calling for you, then both of you are protected from any criminal prosecution. In fact, the Good Samaritan Law forbids prosecution on 911 overdose calls.
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How long do you need to stay in hospital after overdose?

Most Overdose Patients Can Leave ER One Hour After Receiving Naloxone. Most people treated in the emergency room for an opioid overdose can safely leave the hospital in as little as one hour after receiving the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, according to a new study.
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What happens if someone overdoses in your home?

Social Host Liability. If a person overdoses in someone else's house or business, it's conceivable the home or business owner could be liable. Known as social host liability, states have enacted laws holding party hosts liable for any alcohol-related injuries that occur as a result of providing alcohol to minors.
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When should you call an ambulance for drugs?

If someone's taken a bad turn and you're worried about their condition, then call an ambulance right away. When the crew arrive, list the symptoms, and tell them (only if you know) what drugs have been taken. Hand over anything they may have taken if you've got something from the same batch.
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Can you be charged for overdosing in Texas?

Texas passed a new law allowing bystanders who see someone overdosing to call emergency services with protection from prosecution. However, some say this law does not substantively protect those who overdose or those who feel morally obligated to report. Effective Sept. 1, 2021, H.B. No.
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Does Texas have a Good Samaritan law for drug overdose?

Last September, Texas enacted a law similar to one that many states across the country have. It's a “Good Samaritan” law that offers some legal immunity to people who get emergency help for someone who is suffering an overdose and for overdose victims if they seek emergency help for themselves.
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Is the Good Samaritan law real?

Good Samaritan laws exist in both the U.S. and Canada, but the legislation isn't uniform. Most laws don't apply to medical professionals when they are on the job, but do offer some protection when they respond to an emergency off the clock.
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Who can administer Narcan in Texas?

One of the provisions of the law permits emergency services personnel (firefighters, emergency room personnel, and other individuals), who either as part of their jobs or as volunteers provide services for the benefit of the general public during emergencies, to administer naloxone to any person who appears to be ...
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What is an accidental overdose?

If you take too much of something on purpose, it is called an intentional or deliberate overdose. If the overdose happens by mistake, it is called an accidental overdose. For example, a young child may accidentally take an adult's heart medicine. Your health care provider may refer to an overdose as an ingestion.
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How can I reduce the side effects of drugs?

How to reduce the risk of side effects
  1. Take all medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
  2. Don't take anyone else's medicines.
  3. Learn about your medication. ...
  4. Speak to your pharmacist if you buy over-the-counter or complementary medicines.
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What happens if you take 8 paracetamol at once?

Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets by accident is unlikely to be harmful, as long as you do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Wait at least 24 hours before taking any more paracetamol.
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