Be prepared to save a life
If you are with someone who may be experiencing an overdose, you can help save their life by administering naloxone quickly. The steps below don’t require any special training – just the willingness to save a life.
Check for signs of overdose
The person won’t wake up and doesn’t respond to gentle shaking, yelling, or rubbing knuckles hard on the center of their chest.
- They have slow or minimal breathing. Normal breathing is a full breath every 3-5 seconds.
- They are cold or clammy when you touch their skin.
- The color of their skin, lips and fingernails is pale, blue or gray.
Call 9-1-1
Tell the dispatcher what is happening.
- Give them your exact location.
- Follow their instructions.
If you call 911 for help for an overdose, you cannot be charged for drug use or possession.
Read more about Washington’s Good Samaritan Law.
Give naloxone
To administer naloxone nasal spray, also known as Narcan® and other brand names, follow the steps below. These will also be included on the naloxone packaging. If you are using intramuscular (injectable) naloxone, watch this 30-second how-to-video.
Peel back the package to remove the device.
Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nostril.
Press the plunger firmly to release the spray into nose.
If the person still isn’t responding after three minutes, give them a second dose,
if you have it.
Provide rescue breathing or CPR
If you have administered naloxone and the person is still not breathing normally (a full breath every 3 to 5 seconds), give them hands-only CPR or rescue breathing. If you don’t know how, the 911 dispatcher will walk you through providing hands-only CPR.
- Lay the person flat on their back.
- Gently tilt their head back and pinch their nose closed.
- Give 2 quick breaths into their mouth.
- Give 1 slow breath every 5 seconds until they’ve regained consciousness or emergency help has arrived.
Wait for recovery
Once they are breathing on their own, roll the person gently from their back to their side, and let them lie on their side while they recover.
Naloxone wears off typically within 30-90 minutes. If you are able to stay with the person through this period, they might need your help another time. When it wears off, they may begin to overdose again and require a another dose of naloxone.
Provide support
As the person recovers, they will likely be scared, disoriented, and uncomfortable. To help them feel safe and cared for:
- Stay with them until medical help arrives.
- When they wake up, reassure them they are safe.
Afterwards, make sure to take care of yourself. You did something scary and might be emotional. These feelings are normal. If you need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988 to get support.
Always carry naloxone
Always carry naloxone
If you use opioids, know people who do, or just want to be ready to help your community remember to:
- Bring naloxone with you. It’s easy to keep in your car or bag.
- Keep a spare kit at home if possible.
- Tell others you have naloxone and where to find it in case of emergency.