Actuar ante una sobredosis
When someone stops breathing, every second matters. Knowing what to do, calling 9-1-1 and using naloxone can prevent an accidental opioid overdose from becoming deadly. And the data show that all these efforts are making a difference. Community members like you are reversing around 20% of the reported non-fatal overdoses. You are saving the lives of your family members, friends and neighbors.
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
- Uñas o labios azules o morados
- Pale face
- Stopped breathing, slow breathing or heartbeat
- Gasping, gurgling or loud snoring sounds
- Vomiting
- Inability to speak or stay awakened
- Cuerpo flácido
- Unresponsive to yelling or touch
Brief video by Bangor Public Health & Community Services to explain the signs of overdose and how to save a life.
If you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, follow these emergency steps:
- See if they are responsive
- Di el nombre de la persona.
- If this doesn’t work, vigorously rub your knuckles on the person’s sternum (the breastbone in the middle of the chest) or rub knuckles on the person’s upper lip.
- If the person is not breathing normally and/or talking, call 9-1-1 and continue to check them.
- DON’T use a cold shower or ice to shock someone. This increases the risk of falling, drowning, or going into shock.
- Call 9-1-1
- IMMEDIATELY seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1. Tell the operator: “Someone is unresponsive and not breathing.”
- Be sure to give a specific address and/or a description of your location.
- Give naloxone
- For a 30-second explanation of how to use nasal naloxone, watch this video from CDC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odlFtGNjmMQ&t=1s
- En este vídeo se explica cómo utilizar la naloxona inyectable.
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes after giving the first dose of naloxone. If the person does not respond, give a second dose.
- Always give naloxone–even if you are uncertain the person used opioids. Naloxone will have no negative effects if given when it is not needed.
- Help the person breathe
- Start rescue breathing by doing CPR while you wait for the ambulance.
- Follow these steps:
- Place the person on their back and give 30 chest compressions (approximately 18 seconds).
- Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
- Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
- Depth: At least 2 inches
- Rate: 100 to 120 per minute
- Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
- Check the person’s mouth and throat to make sure nothing is blocking the airway.
- Place one hand on the person’s chin, tilt the head back, and pinch the nose closed.
- Place your mouth over the person’s mouth to make a seal, give two slow breaths (1 second each), and watch for the person’s chest to rise.
- Continue giving sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available.
- Place the person on their back and give 30 chest compressions (approximately 18 seconds).
- Follow these steps:
- Start rescue breathing by doing CPR while you wait for the ambulance.
- Monitor the person’s response
- Stay with the person and keep them warm.
- Watch for signs of the overdose returning for at least 4 hours from the last dose of naloxone. Naloxone is short-acting, and opioids may remain in the body for longer.
- Get medical care as quickly as possible, even if the person revives after receiving naloxone and seems to feel better, as overdose symptoms may return.
- Put the person in the “recovery position” (on their side, with the top leg bent and one arm under their head–see below). This will help prevent them from choking.
Aprenda a utilizar la naloxona
Get the OD-ME mobile app for step-by-step audio instructions to follow during the stress of an overdose (screenshots below). Learn more about naloxone or download our Naloxone FAQ sheet.