Overdose Prevention

What is an overdose?

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An overdose occurs when a person consumes a toxic amount of a drug, or a combination of drugs.
As a result, the central nervous system is no longer able to control basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature, or consciousness.

When someone stops breathing, the brain has approximately three minutes' worth of oxygen in reserve. Permanent brain damage can occur within 10 minutes of oxygen deprivation.

An overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you recognize that someone is overdosing, it is vital to act quickly.

Emergency Response Protocol (ERP)

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If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately, even if you have naloxone. Then follow the SAVE ME steps.

Campus Security should be contacted after establishing communication with 9-1-1 emergency responders when on campus. They will assist with first aid response and navigate emergency responders to the correct location. 

Signage by emergency call buttons is in place to help individuals effectively share their location with emergency service providers. 

Dos and don’ts when responding to an overdose

There are important things to keep in mind to help protect a person’s safety when they experience an overdose. The most effective intervention is opioid overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone. You should prioritize giving an opioid overdose reversal medication in accordance with the dos and don’ts below. Avoid actions that may cause further harm to the person.

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DO attend to the person’s breathing and cardiovascular needs by performing rescue breathing and/or chest compressions. Rescue breathing can be lifesaving itself. If you have access to it, administering supplemental oxygen can also be helpful.

DO administer an opioid overdose reversal medication if the person is not breathing. Give an additional dose if there is no response within 2-3 minutes of each dose.

DO put the person in the “recovery position” on their side, if you must leave them unattended for any reason, or if their breathing has returned but they are still not fully awake. In this case, monitor breathing closely.

DON’T slap or forcefully try to stimulate the person; it will only cause further injury. If you cannot wake the person by shouting or rubbing your knuckles on the sternum (center of the chest or rib cage), the person may be unconscious.

DON’T put the person into a cold bath or shower. This increases the risk of falling, drowning, or going into shock.

DON’T inject the person with any substance (e.g., saltwater, milk, stimulants). The only safe and appropriate treatment is an opioid overdose reversal medication.

DON’T try to make the person vomit drugs that may have been swallowed. Choking or inhaling vomit into the lungs can cause a fatal injury.

Naloxone 101: training course

This is a self-guided, interactive course on how to recognize and respond to drug poisoning, including how to use naloxone. This course takes approximately one hour to complete.

Naloxone kits and/or training sessions are available by appointment for students, employees, and friends & family by contacting Langara Student Health Services.

Those trained in opioid identification and naloxone administration will call 911 and then may choose to give naloxone and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) depending on the circumstances and their comfort level with administering naloxone. 

Those administering naloxone should understand that there may be some health and safety risks involved in responding to an overdose. Responding to overdoses involves proper use of personal protective equipment, handling syringes, and potential contact with drugs or blood and body fluids. 

If drugs are on the person or the scene, they also must be handled carefully (gloves are required and located in the naloxone kit). 

Finally, some individuals may be angry and physically aggressive or violent upon revival via naloxone. When assisting, you should be prepared to stand back and de-escalate these situations.

Good Samaritan Act 

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