Here is some information on how to help someone who has overdosed, and potentially save a life.
Recognising an overdose
The signs of overdose vary depending on the substance, but some general symptoms to watch out for include:
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Slow or irregular breathing, or not breathing at all
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Seizures or convulsions
- Extreme body temperatures, either high or low
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Extreme agitation
How to respond to an overdose
If you believe that someone has overdosed, call emergency services (000) immediately.
Clearly explain the situation and follow any instructions they provide. Do not hesitate to make this call. Good Samaritan laws protect those seeking medical help for an overdose in Australia. This means that the focus is on getting medical assistance, not penalising the person who makes the call.
Administer First Aid
If they are not breathing – start CPR (if you know how to)
If they are breathing but unresponsive – place them in the recovery position (place them on their side with their top leg bent and their head tilted back slightly.)
Keep monitoring their condition until help arrives. Even if the person seems to recover, stay with them. Overdoses can have a delayed effect and they may require additional treatment.
Good Samaritan laws also protect you if you provide reasonable assistance to someone who is injured or ill which means that you can’t be sued or held legally liable for unintentional injury or harm.
Opioid Overdose
Opioids are the most common drug present in unintentional deaths. Over 1100 opioid-related deaths were recorded in 2020. Naloxone can reverse the effects of opioids and is available without a prescription in many areas of Australia.
Harm Reduction Victoria offers free online naloxone training.
Stimulant Overdose
In 2021 stimulants were involved in 27.5% of overdose deaths. According to the Pennington Overdose Report this is a wide-reaching trend and affects Australian adults of all ages. Stimulants such as methamphetamine can cause high body temperature, chest pain, severe agitation, and seizures. Stimulant overdose can be fatal without prompt medical intervention.
Alcohol Overdose
Signs of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and unconsciousness. If alcohol overdose occurs it can lead to death or permanent brain damage.
Overdose in Australia
Drug-induced deaths have been on the rise in recent years, with the highest rates seen in those aged 35 – 44.
2231 drug-induced deaths were reported in Australia in 2021, with 75% of these being unintentional.
Overdoses are preventable and education is key to reducing these numbers. Understanding the signs of overdose, ensuring naloxone is readily available, and knowing how to respond can save lives.
If you are in a situation where someone has overdosed, even if you are unsure of what to do or worried about legal consequences, always call emergency services (000) immediately and follow their guidance. Getting help quickly could save someone’s life.