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Signs of Overdose

Level 3: Signs of Overdose

Sometimes it may be hard to tell if someone is overdosing or is just really high.  Here is how you can tell the difference:

REALLY HIGH

OVERDOSE

Looks like s/he is napping

Deep snoring or gurgling (death rattle)

Speech is slowed/slurred

Cannot talk at all

Will respond to stimulation like yelling, pinching, sternum rub (hard rub of knuckles against the breastbone), etc.

Slow heart beat/pulse

Blue lips and/or fingertips

Not breathing

 

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • Skin looks blue - lips and fingertips often show first
  • Body very limp
  • Face very pale
  • Slow, irregular, or no pulse (heartbeat)
  • Throwing up
  • Passing out
  • Choking sounds or a gurgling/snoring noise
  • Slow, irregular, or not breathing
  • Awake, but not able to respond

The most important things to look for are response to being stimulated and breathing.

Tips for Calling

  • Have the address and location of where you are handy.
  • Stay calm, and ask others around you to be quiet.
  • Let them know, “my friend has overdosed.”  If you don’t want to mention drugs or overdose, tell them, “my friend is not breathing.”
  • Follow the instructions of the operator and paramedics as closely as you can.
  • If you have to leave the person for any reason, put them in the recovery position.
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