Information, resources and tips on how to respond to an overdose.
Call 9-1-1 if you see someone is going in and out of consciousness.
Opioid Overdose (heroin, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol #3, and methadone)
Treatable with a medication called Naloxone.
- Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose.
- Naloxone only works on opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol #3, and methadone).
- Learn more about opioid overdose.
Naloxone is very safe drug and will only work if there are opioids in the body. Learn more about frequently asked questions on Naloxone use.
Stimulant overdose (cocaine, crystal meth, MDMA (ecstasy), Ritalin and caffeine)
- No medication to reverse it
- Stay calm and call for help
- Keep the person calm, comfortable, awake and hydrated
Call 9-1-1 if the person has:
- Jerking or rigid limbs
- Is losing consciousness
- Has severe headaches, sweating or agitation
Other depressants (alcohol, GHB or benzodiazepines)
- No medication to reverse it
- Stay calm and call for help
- Ensure person is breathing
- Stay with the person until help arrives
Place person in the recovery position as shown below:
Resources
- COVID-19 and opioid overdose response: Guidelines for community practice settings
Fraser Health’s Harm Reduction/Overdose Response and Mental Health and Substance Use teams have developed this COVID-19-Adapted Overdose Response Protocol.
The document outlines COVID-19-adapted overdose response protocols for people working in community practice settings, organized according to the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) SAVE ME framework.
It highlights the importance of giving breaths and explores ways protect yourself and others from COVID-19 using commonly found items when traditional personal protective equipment (PPE) is not available. - Toward the Heart: Naloxone information
- B.C. fentanyl related overdose frequently asked questions
- How to inject Naloxone poster