Action Plan!

Suspect an overdose? Here’s what to do:

If you suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl, the first thing you should do is call 911. Check to see if they’re breathing and also their heart rate. If you suspect someone is no longer breathing and/or can’t detect a heartbeat, begin CPR until emergency medical services arrive. Don’t be afraid to ask by-standers for help and support.

Here is a video on how to do CPR.

Here is a video on how to respond to an overdose.

Perform the SAVEME Steps, which include naloxone administration. With fentanyl overdose, it is common for individuals to require several doses of naloxone, given the power of the drug. Also, all naloxone products have an expiration, however ALL naloxone is better than no naloxone.

SAVEME Steps:

S stimulate: Speak with the individual and check for a pain response. No response? Call 911

A airway: check their mouth to see if anything is inside, potentially blocking their airway. Open their airway if so

V ventilate: help them breathe, with their head tilted back give 2 breaths every five seconds

E evaluate: are they now breathing? If not, administer naloxone.

M medication. Continue to check on their breathing and administer naloxone.

E evaluate: do they need another dose of naloxone? Support them in their recovery from the overdose.

Updated “Save Me from OD – How to Reverse an Opioid Overdose” – a Naloxone tutorial

“How to do CPR on an Adult (Ages 12 and Older)“