What should you do if you think a friend might be at risk of overdose?

• A. Call emergency services, stay with them, monitor breathing, and provide necessary information to responders
• B. Ignore and wait
• C. Shake them to wake
• D. Give them more alcohol to 'even out'

Answer: (A)

When someone might be overdosing, getting professional help fast is vital because overdoses can become life-threatening in minutes. The best action is to call emergency services right away, stay with your friend, and keep them in a safe position while you monitor their breathing. If they stop breathing or lose consciousness, be prepared to perform rescue breaths or CPR if you’re trained. When responders arrive, give clear details about what substances you think were involved, how much was taken, and when it happened. This information helps them treat them quickly and effectively. Avoid delaying or ignoring the situation, don’t shake them to wake them, and don’t give more alcohol or other substances, as that can make the overdose worse or lead to choking from vomiting.