What to do if you think you’re witnessing an overdose

Megan Francoeur of Ottawa Public Health with info about what to do in an overdose situation in a file photo. Photo by Jean Levac /Postmedia

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With safe consumption sites in Ottawa now closed, activists have warned there may be more public use of opioids and other drugs.

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Megan Francoeur, a registered nurse with Ottawa Public Health’s addictions and substance use health team, and Paul Blahey, a harm reduction worker at the Ottawa branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, explain how you can recognize an overdose and what you can do to help.

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What are the common signs of an overdose?

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Common symptoms of opioid overdoses are slow, irregular or stopped breathing, a lack of movement, gurgling or snoring sounds, cold or clammy skin, blue or grey lips and nails, tiny pupils, unresponsiveness, or unconsciousness.

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“And it can happen really quickly, not getting oxygen to the brain; you can see damage within minutes,” Francoeur said.

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How do I respond to an overdose?

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If you do suspect someone is overdosing, there are five steps to follow in order.

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These five steps, as well as images of the recovery position, come inside naloxone kits.

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I don’t use drugs. Why should I carry naloxone?

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Carrying these kits can be life-saving, even if you don’t use substances and think you might not need them yourself, Francoeur says.

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“It’s a great way to take care of the community and others. Stigma is definitely the biggest barrier we see with people who use substances. Reducing that stigma, by all of us playing a part in that community of care and getting naloxone, is very important right now,” she says, adding that carrying naloxone in an accessible place, like in your bag, when you’re out and about, is essential.

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What if I see someone overdosing, but I don’t have naloxone?

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After shaking and shouting at the person and calling 9-1-1, if they remain unconscious, stay with them until help arrives. When it does, relay the signs of overdose you saw to the emergency responders.

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What about other support?

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The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) is a confidential, anonymous, virtual safe-consumption service with a website, app, and phone call service.

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“Our staff has extensive experience in mental health first aid and psychosis de-escalation. Many of our calls involve supporting folks through challenging responses that can sometimes occur while using drugs,” their website reads.

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NORS has two support lines:

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The “Harm Reduction Services in Ottawa” section of Ottawa Public Health’s website offers harm reduction services and information, such as its Site Needle and Syringe Program and naloxone training.

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