The toxic drug crisis in BC is a public health emergency. Drug poisoning can happen to anyone, and any street drug can be poisoned.
Find out how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
Know the Signs
Someone may be experiencing an overdose if:
- They not moving or are unresponsive
- They are not breathing or are breathing very slowly—less than one breath every five seconds
- They are making unusual sounds, like choking gurgling, gasping or snoring
- They have tiny pupils
- Their fingernails or lips are turning blue, grey or purple
- Their skin feels cold and clammy
What to Do
- Call 911.
- Follow the SAVE ME steps:
- Stimulate: Check if the person is responsive, can you wake them up?
- Airway check: Make sure there is nothing in the mouth blocking the airway or stopping them from breathing.
- Ventilate: Help them breathe. Put on a mask and then pinch their nose closed and breathe into their mouth once every five seconds.
- Evaluate: Check if they are breathing normally (one breath every five seconds). If not, get ready to use naloxone.
- Medication: Access a naloxone kit and follow the steps to administer it.
- Evaluate and support: Check if they are breathing normally (one breath every five seconds). If not, give another dose. Keep in mind that naloxone only works for a while. If the drugs are still in the person’s system when the naloxone wears off, they may go back into overdose and need another dose of naloxone.
Naloxone
Naloxone kits are available on campus with the automated external defibrillator (AED) kits and in student housing buildings.
Support
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people who call 911 about overdoses.
If you or someone you know if struggling with addiction, support is available. Access Counselling Services and mental health resources.