The information below is a reprint from the attached PDF from the Harford County Health Department
Signs of an overdose:
- Person is unresponsive
- Fingertips or lips turn blue or grey
- Breathing is slow, shallow or stops
- Gurgling or snoring noises
What can you do if you see an opioid overdose?
- Call 911
- If you have naloxone, give the person naloxone and perform rescue breathing
- If no response after 2-3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone
- Do not leave the person alone until help arrives
- If the person starts to breathe or become more alert, lay them in the recovery position.
Remember the Good Samaritan Law– Save a life!
- If you provide help or assist a person experiencing a medical emergency due to alcohol or drugs, you are criminally immune from being charged, arrested and prosecuted from certain crimes.
- The police and the courts believe that saving a life is more important than a charge or an arrest.
How can I lower my risk of an overdose?
- Carry naloxone with you at all times. Inform others where it is.
- If you haven’t used it in a while, start slowly. You are at a high risk for overdose after leaving jail, hospitalization or coming out of treatment.
- Avoid mixing substances
- Be aware that drugs vary in purity and strength
- Don’t use alone and always check up on each other
- Seek Treatment
Where can I get treatment or information about Naloxone?
- Call the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2340
You can also contact:
Call the Suicide Crisis Hot Line: 1-800-273-8255
Text the Crisis Hot Line – text 741741
