Risk Factors for an Overdose

  1. Low tolerance after periods of abstinence such as relapse after incarceration or treatment etc. A 3-day period of abstinence can be enough to lower tolerance and increase the risk
  2. Change in purity
  3. Past overdoses. If you have previously overdosed, this increases your risk
  4. Physical health, such as HEP C
  5. Heroin laced Fentanyl
  6. Speedballing, mixture of Heroin and Cocaine
  7. Isolation and using alone

Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose

  1. Awake but not able to respond
  2. Body very limp
  3. Very pale in color, ashen look to the skin
  4. Pulse: slow, erratic, or has stopped
  5. Blue fingertips or lips
  6. Shallow or erratic breathing
  7. Passed out
  8. Choking sounds or gurgling noise
  9. Vomiting

What To Do

  1. Assess the signs
  2. Stimulation: rub sternum (knuckles being rubbed hard on breastbone. If no response, person is unconsious)
  3. Call for Help! 911!
  4. Place person in Recovery position
  5. Clear airway/rescue breathing (1 breath every 5 seconds)
  6. Administer Narcan. See Links for where to get Narcan.

Recovery Position

Rescue Breathing

  1. Tilt the victim's head back and lift the chin up, then pinch the nose shut.
    2. Rescue Breathing
  2. Give 2 slow breaths into the mouth. Blow until the chest gently rises.
  3. Check for a pulse to make sure the heart is still beating. If a pulse is present but victim is still not breathing...
  4. Give 1 slow breath about every 5 seconds. Do this for about a minute, 12 breaths.
  5. Recheck pulse and breathing about every minute.