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Instructions for helping someone else

Possible overdose / slow breathing

What to do

  1. Slow breathing, snoring sounds and cannot wake: call emergency services.
  2. If unresponsive: call emergency services. If breathing is abnormal, start CPR with dispatcher guidance.
  3. For suspected opioids, use available naloxone if trained, following packaging. Do not delay CPR.
  4. If not improving, follow packaging or responders for another naloxone dose. Keep monitoring breathing. Do not stop needed CPR.
  5. If unresponsive but breathing normally, without trauma: place on their side and monitor breathing.
  6. Give location and symptoms. No phone or signal: ask someone to call from a safe place. Do not delay help to collect belongings.
  7. Breathing can worsen again after improvement. Stay and watch. Unresponsive and breathing abnormally: restart CPR. Another helper can give label-directed naloxone.

What to avoid

  1. Do not leave them alone even after improvement with naloxone.
Child or baby unresponsive with abnormal breathing: child CPRAdult unresponsive with abnormal breathing: CPRUnresponsive adult breathing normally without injury: recovery position