How to respond to an opioid overdose An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes more drugs than their body can handle. Their breathing will be slow or stopped and they will start turning blue or gray. It's important to get them oxygen right away. Don't panic, you've been trained to respond.
Why is rescue breathing important? Providing oxygen to someone experiencing an opioid overdose is essential to prevent anoxic brain injury. Anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen and neural cells begin to die. Anoxic brain injury can range in severity.
1) If others are at the scene, ask them to assist by giving rescue breaths or calling 911.
4) Give the second dose of naloxone if the person isn't breathing on their own within 1 to 2 minutes of the first dose.
We would love for everyone engaged with NEXT to consider how stigmatizing language impacts people who use drugs. For example, we never use the terms "clean/dirty" or "junkie." We use "person who uses drugs" because we know that people who use drugs are not "just addicts" but our loved ones (or ourselves) with hopes and dreams who deserve much more than negative stigmatizing labels. Learn more about fighting drug-related stigma at: nextdistro.org/stigma
2) Administer one dose of naloxone. 3) Provide rescue breaths.
On a personal note…
What do I do if I used my naloxone?
5) When they become responsive, explain what happened and let them know you gave them naloxone.
Fill out the short form located at:nextdistro.org/reverse to let us know that you've used the naloxone. This is also the way you can let us know if you need more supplies.
6) If the person does not want to seek medical care, stay with them if you can.
These reports are vital in helping us share how NEXT Naloxone is making an impact.
7) Explain that the naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes and the withdrawal symptoms will pass. It's very important for them not to take more drugs during this time to avoid overdosing again.
Responding to an overdose can be scary. We’ve written some thoughts that we hope you will find helpful: nextdistro.org/odaftercare
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