prevent overdose

how to avoid an overdose

for more information and other harm reduction tips:

overdose: know the signs and how to help

Opioids slow down the central nervous system, which controls breathing and the heart rate. Too much of an opioid can cause someone to stop breathing, which can cause brain damage and death. It can be difficult to tell if a person is just very high or experiencing an overdose. If you are having a hard time telling the difference, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose—it could save someone’s life.

Check for signs of an opioid overdose.

Call 911. Tell the dispatcher where you are and the symptoms of the person who has overdosed (example: not breathing or unconscious).

If you are trying to help in an overdose, WA State’s 911 Good Samaritan law protects you and the overdose victim from drug consumption or possession charges. Don’t be afraid to call 911 for help!

Give naloxone and rescue breaths.

If you have naloxone, give one dose. Naloxone can take 2-3 minutes to work, so start giving rescue breaths. The 911 dispatcher can talk you through rescue breathing, but here are the basics:

• Make sure nothing is in the person’s mouth blocking their airway.
• Place one hand on their chin and tilt their head back. With the other hand, pinch their nose closed.
• Breathe into their mouth and look for their chest to rise.
• Give 1 breath every 5 seconds or as directed by the 911 dispatcher.
• If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone and continue rescue breathing until medical help arrives.

Put them in the rescue position.

If you are unable to stay until medical help arrives, place the person on their side in the rescue position, and where first responders can find them. The rescue position helps keeps their airways clear so they don’t choke.

	Put their right arm by their hand as if they were waving.
	Put their left arm across their chest, so the back of their hand rests against their cheek.
	Hold their left hand in place and bend their left knee.
	Turn them on their right side by pushing down on their left knee.

If the person wakes up, stay with them. Encourage them to get follow-up medical care.

Naloxone lasts about 30-90 minutes. After it wears off, a person may stop breathing again. Encourage the person to go to a clinic or emergency room where health care staff can monitor their breathing, manage withdrawal symptoms, and treat any other medical conditions.

Respond to an overdose | 应对过量 | Ответить на передозировку | Responder a una sobredosis | Відповідь на передозування | Đáp ứng với quá liều

The Good Samaritan Law

In Washington State, if you seek medical help for someone having an overdose, neither of you can be charged for drug use or possession.

Anyone trying to help in a medical emergency is generally protected from civil liability by RCW 4.24.300. Washington State’s 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Law (RCW 69.50.315) gives additional protections against drug possession charges:

• If you seek medical assistance in a drug-related overdose, you cannot be prosecuted for drug possession. 
• The overdose victim is also protected from drug possession charges.
• Anyone in Washington State is allowed to carry and administer naloxone. (RCW 69.41.095) 

*The Good Samaritan Law does not protect against outstanding warrants, probation or parole violations, drug manufacturing or delivery charges, controlled substances homicide charges, or crimes other than drug possession. 

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