Overdose Response instruction card

AVOID OVERDOSE

• Try to use around a friend or other people

• Stagger use in case of overdose

• Have naloxone (Narcan) readily available

• Test your drugs with fentanyl test strips

• Use one drug at a time

• Do a tester shot

• Go slow, especially if you haven’t used in a few days or are using a new product

An overdose can happen instantly or hours after use. If someone shows signs of an overdose, stay with them and watch their breathing.

RECOGNIZE AN OVERDOSE

Slow or no breathing

Difficulty waking up

Stiffened body and locked jaw

Seizure-like activity Gurgling, gasping, or snoring

Blue or grey lips and fingertips

Pale, grey, or blue skin

Clammy, cold skin

Vomiting

Naloxone will help people breathe if they are overdosing, but it may not wake people up, especially if their dope also has medetomidine or xylazine in it. If breathing stops, give naloxone.

REVERSE AN OVERDOSE

1. CHECK FOR BREATHING

• Look for the rise and fall of their chest or shoulders.

• Listen for gargling or choking.

• Hold an object like a phone screen, glasses, or a small mirror near their mouth and see if it fogs up.

• Confirm they take at least 1 breath every 5 seconds.

• If they are breathing, they are not overdosing. You do not need to administer naloxone. If you are not sure, proceed to step 2.

2. WAKE THEM UP

• Shake them and call their name.

• Apply mild pressure by pressing the base of their nail bed on their middle or ring finger.

3. GIVE NALOXONE

• Check the time or set a timer to give another dose in 3 - 5 minutes in case they don’t start breathing again.

4. CALL 911

• Under the Good Samaritan Law (Act 139), you cannot get in trouble for being present, witnessing, or reporting an overdose.

5. DO RESCUE BREATHING

• Clear the inside of their mouth, tilt their head back, and pinch their nose.

• Give them 1 breath every 5 seconds until they start breathing or help arrives.

6. RECOVERY POSITION

• Place them on their left side and put their hands under their head to help them breathe and prevent them from choking on vomit.

TREATMENT

PA Get Help Now 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

DBHIDS Behavioral Health Special Initiative - If you do not have insurance 215-546-1200

Community Behavioral Health (CBH) - If you have insurance 888-545-2600

Philadelphia 24HR Suicide Crisis & Intervention Line 215-686-4420

Find more resources at SubstanceUsePhilly.com/ treatment.

MOBILE SITES

Prevention Point Philadelphia

2913-15 Kensington Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134

ppponline.org

Services available

• OD prevention education

• Naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and medetomidine test strips

• HCV and HIV screening

• Medical Triage

RESOURCES & SERVICES

Get Free Narcan & Test Strips at SubstanceUsePhilly.com/ get-supplies.

Using Alone? Anonymously connect with a peer who can contact a friend for you or call 911 in case you become unresponsive:

• Never Use Alone Hotline 877-696-1996

• SafeSpot Hotline 800-972-0590