THIS PAGE IS NOT FOR EMERGENCIES. IF YOU ARE WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS OVERDOSED, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

How to Recognize & Respond to an Opioid Overdose

Shake and Shout - Check responsiveness

1Shake and Shout

Shake their shoulders and shout their name.

• Can't wake them up

• Breathing is slow, erratic, or has stopped

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Fingernails or lips turning blue or purple

• Pupils are very small (pinpoint pupils)

If you see these signs, act immediately. An overdose is a medical emergency.

2Call 911 Immediately

Tell the operator:

"Someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally."

Stay on the line and follow instructions.

Good Samaritan Law: Calling 911 won't get you in trouble for drug possession in Canada.

Call 911 Immediately
Give Naloxone - Administer medication

3Give Naloxone

For Nasal Spray

• Tilt their head back

• Insert the nozzle into one nostril

• Press the plunger to release the dose

For Injectable Naloxone

• Draw 1 mL of naloxone into the syringe

• Inject into the thigh, upper arm, or buttock at a 90-degree angle

REPEAT STEP 3 in other nostril with a new NARCAN® nasal spray if person does not respond in 2-3 minutes

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