If you suspect an overdose call an ambulance or your local health centre. While you are waiting for them to come, follow the SAVE ME protocol (Government of British Columbia):

S

Stimulate. Check if the person is responsive, can you wake them up?

A

Airway. Make sure there is nothing in the mouth blocking the airway, or stopping them from breathing.

V

Ventilate. Help them breathe. Plug the nose, tilt the head back and give one breath every 5 seconds.

E

Evaluate. Do you see any improvement?

M

Muscular injection. Inject one dose (1cc) of naloxone into a muscle.

E

Evaluate and support. Is the person breathing? If they are not awake in 5 minutes, give one more 1cc dose of naloxone.

Resources

• Opioid Overdose Signs And Symptoms
• Where Can I Get a Naloxone Kit?
• Overdose Survival Guide – Tips to Save a Life (Toward the Heart)