Do you know someone who is struggling with substance use?
Quincy Overdose Help is here to support and help you through.
This website specifically addresses overdose of opioids which include heroin, OxyContin®, methadone, morphine, Percocet®, fentanyl, and Vicodin®.
What To Do In The Event Of An Overdose
Right Away
- Call 911 for help.
- Give the address.
- Tell them, “My friend is unconscious and not breathing,” OR “My friend overdosed and is not breathing.”
- You don’t have to say drugs are involved until the ambulance arrives.
- If you have Narcan, administer it now.
- Place the person on their side with their hands under their head. (Recovery Position)
- Try to stay with the person.
While You Wait for the Ambulance
Make sure you place the person in the recovery position. (On their side with their hands under their head)
Do not make them vomit.
Check wrist for pulse.
Do rescue breathing, if person is not breathing.
An overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911. Overdose can cause coma and death within a short time. A medication called Narcan can reverse an overdose and save a life.
How Can Narcan Help?
Narcan distribution is free and confidential. It is available to anyone over the age of 18 (under the age of 18 with parental approval).
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
Something can be done…. signs may include:
- Person won’t wake up
- No response to yelling
- Clammy, cool skin
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Shallow, slow breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow pulse or heart rate
- Seizure or convulsions
- No response to knuckles being rubbed hard on breast bone
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Death from overdose is RARELY instantaneous (15%) and usually occur over a 1-3 hour period as breathing and heart rate decreases
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About 60% of overdoses occur in the presence of others
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