How to Help Someone Who Is Overdosing

If someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately, administer Narcan if available, and start hands-only CPR if they stop breathing. Staying with them until help arrives can be the difference between life and death.

What Does an Overdose Look Like?

These are the signs:

• Won't wake up
• Slow or stopped breathing
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Gurgling or snoring sounds
• Cold, clammy skin
• Pinpoint pupils (opioids)

What Should You Do Step by Step?

1. Check responsiveness.

• Try to wake them
• Shake shoulders
• Call their name

2. Call 911.

Say: "Someone is not breathing/overdosing at [address]."

3. Give Narcan if available.

• Nasal spray in nostril
• If no response in 2-3 minutes, give second dose

4. Start CPR if no breathing.

• Chest compressions only (hands-only CPR)
• 100-120 compressions per minute

5. Put in recovery position.

On their side, mouth open, airway clear.

6. Stay until help arrives.

What Should You NOT Do During an Overdose?

• Don't put them in cold water
• Don't make them vomit
• Don't walk them around
• Don't let them sleep it off
• Don't use more drugs

Do Good Samaritan Laws Protect You?

Yes. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect you from arrest for minor drug possession when you call for help. Know your state's specific law before you need it.

Quick Reference: The Five Things That Matter

1. Call 911. Immediately. Always.
2. Give Narcan. If available. Narcan saves lives.
3. Start CPR. Hands-only if they're not breathing.
4. Recovery position. On their side.
5. Stay. Until help arrives.

Calling 911 could save their life.

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