What should you do if you suspect someone is overdosing?

• A. Stay with them and call for help
• B. Walk away and seek help later
• C. Give them alcohol to steady them
• D. Ignore the situation

Answer: (A)

When you suspect an overdose, the priority is to keep the person safe and get urgent medical help. Staying with them and calling for help right away makes sure they aren’t alone and that professional responders arrive as quickly as possible, which can save lives. Overdoses can progress rapidly, with problems like slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or a blue-tinged skin, so time matters.

What to do now: check if they’re responsive and breathing. If they stop breathing or have no pulse, start CPR if you’re trained and follow the operator’s instructions. If they are breathing but unconscious, place them on their side in the recovery position and monitor their breathing and consciousness. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, and do not try to “steady” them with alcohol or other substances. Keep them warm, remove any hazards around them, and stay with them until emergency help arrives. If you can, tell the responders what substance might have been involved and how long it’s been since symptoms started.