Witnessing an overdose situation is scary and unpleasant, but it is imperative that even in a state of panic, you be able to act fast to save the affected person’s life.
These are situations that require you to think on your feet, so it is general knowledge like this that makes you a hero in the moment of need.
These are the symptoms that suggest that someone has overdosed according to the Cleveland Clinic;
- Unconsciousness or lack of response.
- Breathing shallowly, slowly or not at all.
- Gurgling or gasping for air.
- Heartbeat either slow or stopped (no pulse).
- Extremely chilly, clammy, or pale skin.
- Skin, fingernails, or toenails that are blue.
- Throwing up.
Here’s what to do once you notice the above signs of overdose on someone.
Call emergency services: It is important to immediately call for help when you are dealing with an issue of overdose, the quicker medical help the affected person gets, the better. Ambulatory care pharmacist Ashley Jones, states that to avoid the person choking, help them lay on their side. Dr Ashely further suggests that when on the call with the emergency services, tell them that you suspect an overdose, explain whether the person is breathing or not and give your exact location.
Try waking them up: The pharmacist mentioned above advises that you try yelling their name first, or saying something you know they wouldn’t like to see if that wakes them up. If you don’t know the person, yell and ask if they need help. If yelling doesn’t wake them, and you’re able to get to the person safely, you can also attempt to perform a sternum rub by running your knuckles against the centre of the person’s chest with some slight force to wake them.” The doctor also suggests that you try a chest rub to try to get a reaction from them.
Help them breathe: Ashely states that you should support the overdosed person’s breathing until they start breathing on their own or until emergency services arrive. “If trained, give CPR (chest compressions) using hands-only CPR. Place one hand over the other, push down hard on the chest, and repeat 100-120 times per minute. Pause compressions and give two mouth-to-mouth breaths every 30 compressions. Continue doing cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths until help arrives or the person begins breathing on their own.”
Use naloxone: The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that when encountering someone who overdosed, it is effective to use naloxone. “Naloxone can be given as a nasal spray or it can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or into the veins.”
Stay with them until help arrives: If a person starts breathing on their own after receiving naloxone or CPR, it is suggested by the above-mentioned pharmacist that you safely put them in a recovery position to avoid choking. Monitor their symptoms until emergency services arrive, keeping them warm and comfortable. Dr Jones emphasises the importance of providing access to resources and acting fast if someone has overdosed to save their life.
Also see: I was swallowed by this demon called drugs,’ Innocent Masuku
