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HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN OVERDOSE
Someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose if:
• They are unconscious or you cannot wake them.
• Their breathing is slow, irregular, or has stopped ( you may
hear choking sounds or a gurgling/snoring noise).
• They have pinpoint pupils (their pupils are very small).
• Their fingernails or lips are blue or purple (for darker skinned
people the skin may turn pale, grayish, or ashen).
RESPONDING TO A SUSPECTED OVERDOSE
• If overdose is suspected, try to wake the person up by calling
their name.
• If that doesn't work, try grinding your knuckles into the
middle of their chest or their upper lip.
• If there is no response, or if you are still unsure of an
overdose, call 911 immediately.
• Give naloxone or other overdose reversal medication.
• Support the person's breathing while you wait for emergency
responders. Use CPR if they are not breathing, including
providing rescue breaths and chest compressions.
• If breathing, place the person in the recovery position on their
side.
• Wait for emergency services to arrive.
• See "Do's and Don'ts" for more information.
