Knowing how to respond promptly to an overdose can save a life

Access to opioids has not decreased much recently, and the rash of overdoses continue to inflict harm to our community at an alarming rate. The impact of loved ones, survivors, rescuers, and officials cannot be tallied. Accidental medication overdose is also a serious situation that can happen to anyone of any age. Whether you stumble upon a family member, friend, colleague, or a stranger experiencing an overdose, knowing how to respond promptly and effectively can save a life.

As soon as you find someone who may have overdosed on medication, the most important thing is to remain calm. Assess the person's condition and see if there are any immediate dangers. Ensure your own safety before proceeding to help the individual. Do not just rip open a car door the first time you see someone unconscious in it – many people sleep in their vehicles and people have been injured by misunderstanding the intention of the person opening the door.

Instead, dial emergency services immediately. Any unconscious person or possible overdose is a 9-1-1 emergency. Provide the dispatcher with accurate information about the person's condition, the medication they may have taken, and any symptoms they are experiencing. If they are in a vehicle, give the call taker a description of the vehicle and the license plate. Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher's instructions. This is very important – answer the call taker’s questions as they ask them. There is a reason they are asking, and the order they are asking them in. Do not talk over the 911 operator.

While waiting for rescuers to arrive, check for breathing and a pulse. If the person is unconscious and not breathing, you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained to do so. If you are not sure what to do, ask the 9-1-1 operator.

We all want to help others and it might be tempting to induce vomiting or give fluids that you believe will counteract an overdose, it's crucial to avoid doing so without medical guidance. Ingesting additional substances could worsen the situation or lead to complications such as choking or aspiration.

Stay with the person. If they are conscious, try to have a conversation with them to help them remain alert. This can also provide valuable information to emergency responders when they arrive. Use this as a chance to gather Information: the person’s name and age, medication the person may have taken, its dosage, and the time of ingestion. You can provide this information to the EMTs on arrival. This can help them determine the appropriate treatment more efficiently.

If you see where the medication is, do not touch it. When rescuers arrive, notify them so they can look at it and determine if they need to bring it with the patient. You touching the medical risks an exposure t the same medication that is causing the overdose symptoms.

In a situation involving an accidental medication overdose, quick and effective action is vital. Remember that the most important step is to call for professional medical help as soon as possible. Your presence, attentiveness, and ability to stay composed can greatly contribute to a positive outcome. By following these steps, you can potentially save a life and provide the person with the best chances of a successful recovery.

If you have access to a Narcan kit and know how to use it, that is an option as well but remember to notify 9-1-1 anyway. Naloxone, the active agent in Narcan kits, wears off as quickly as 15 to 30 minutes after it is delivered. It does not help the patient to rescue them once and have them return to the same state a half hour later and not have rescuers on site to help them.

To prevent accidental overdoses in your home, use caution with prescribed medication and follow your doctor’s doses precisely. Store medicines securely, away from children and pets. Read labels carefully, following guidelines and warnings. Utilize pill organizers to track consumption. Avoid sharing prescriptions and inform healthcare providers of all medications taken. Consult professionals before combining drugs or alcohol. Educate family members or close contacts about your medications. Dispose of any medication you are no longer using properly and immediately.

If you are struggling with an addiction, reach out to various resources for assistance. Contact local addiction treatment centers or clinics, such as SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Trusted healthcare providers can offer personalized advice and treatment options. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer understanding communities. Family and friends can provide emotional support. Seeking help is a vital step towards recovery, and a lot more people care than you may realize.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.