| 5 Steps to Save a Life |
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1. Shake at the shoulders and shout their name |
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2. Call 911 if responsive |
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3. Inject naloxone 1 ampoule or vial (1mL) into leg or arm muscle |
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4. Chest compressions or full CPR with rescue breathing, if previously trained |
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2nd dose? |
5. Is it working? If no improvement in 3-5 minutes repeat steps 3 and 4 |
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Stay! |
6. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives |
Signs of opioid overdose
- You can’t wake the person up.
- Breathing is very slow or erratic, or has stopped.
- Deep snoring or gurgling sounds.
- Fingernails or lips are blue or purple.
- Body is very limp.
- Pupils are very small.
Recovery position
Put the person in the recovery position if:
- they are unconscious and breathing
- you have to leave the person unattended.
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In emergency situations, including opioid overdose: For harm reduction supplies (e.g., clean needles) and/or addictions treatment:
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Call 911: Canadian law protects you from possession charges when you report an overdose. Access CAMH: Call 416 535-8501 and select option 2 (no referral is needed to access addictions treatment) The Works (Toronto Public Health): Call 416 392-0520 or drop in at 277 Victoria Street (Yonge and Dundas) |
Preventing overdose
- Avoid mixing drugs or using with alcohol. Try to use one at a time and use drugs before alcohol.
- Know your tolerance. If you haven’t used for a while (3 days or more), your body can’t handle the same amount as before. Start as if you have never used before.
- Do a tester and ask around if you have a new supply or dealer. Taste it, smoke it, use a very small amount and see what others are saying.
- Use with a friend, but avoid injecting at the same time Iin case one of you needs help. If you use alone, do it somewhere you will be found quickly if you overdose.
- Have a plan. Talk about overdose with people you trust before it happens.