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Overdose - What should I do

Emergency Header - photo of casualty in ambulance stretcher

If you are with friends out clubbing or at home and you notice one of your friends acting weird - consider whether they have taken some drugs. They may have taken drugs and are experiencing the effects of the drugs or they may have overdosed. Remember, alcohol is also a drug and if a lot is consumed can place a person at risk.

The following advice is what you should do if you are concerned about your friend's welfare.

  • Take a deep breath and try to remain calm
  • Call 999 straight away and ask for an ambulance
  • Check to see if your friend is conscious by calling their name and pressing your knucle firmly into their chest - see if there is a response
  • If your friend has become unconscious, make sure that they are safe by lying them in the recovery position by doing the following:

    • Kneel at the side of your friend as they lay on their back
    • Move your friend's nearest arm, as though they are stopping traffic
    • Lift their furthest knee, and bring their furthest hand to your side of their face
    • Using their knee as a lever, pull them onto your knees
    • Adjust your friend's position, so that their face is lying on the back of their hand from the upper arm - point their head downwards slightly. Pull their upper knee so that it is at right angles in front of them - this prevents them from rolling onto their stomach.

  • Check their mouth for any objects or vomit, clear away anything so that they could choke on.
  • Stay with them, keeping yourself calm so as not upset them. Keep an eye on them until the ambulance arrives. Talk to them and keep telling them that help is on its way
  • When the paramedics arrive let them know how long your friend has been vomiting, feeling ill or even unconscious. If you have manage to find out or know what drugs your friend has taken then let them know

Always tell the truth about what you or your friend have taken - this will help to save lives. You may be in trouble further down the line for taking the drugs, however the most immediate concern must be for the safety of you and your friend.