This coming Sunday, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day, a global call to action to end the devastating impact of overdose. Here, Alexa Atkinson, D.O., emergency medicine resident, Aultman Hospital, discusses what to do if you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose.

In 2023, there were 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio, a 9% decrease from 2022. Although drug overdoses in Ohio and nationwide have been decreasing, knowing how to recognize an overdose can help save a life.

A person having an acute overdose may have:

• Slow breathing – or breathing has stopped
  
  
• Pinpoint pupils
  
  
• Discoloration of lips and nails

The person may also be unresponsive.

What To Do

If you see someone with the symptoms of an overdose, check for a pulse and call 911.

If there is no pulse, start CPR and continue until the ambulance arrives. American Red Cross CPR guidelines recommend 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute, 30 at a time. Remember these five points:

• Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
  
  
• Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
  
  
• Compression depth: At least 2 inches
  
  
• Rate of compressions: 100 to 120 per minute
  
  
• Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression

After 30 compressions, you can give two rescue breaths. To do this, you can tilt the chin back, place your mouth over the person’s mouth to create a seal and administer a breath until you see the chest rise.

For your safety, you can give compressions without giving rescue breaths.

How to Use Naloxone

If available, administer naloxone (Narcan) intranasal as soon as possible.

Here’s how:

1. Remove the nasal spray from the box.

2. Place your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.

3. Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck. Gently insert the nasal spray into the nostril.

4. Press the plunger firmly to administer.

5. After giving a dose, provide rescue breathing – two slow breaths every five seconds. Watch for the chest to rise.

After giving naloxone, you should still call 911. Naloxone can wear off, and the person will need further medical monitoring.

Consider carrying naloxone with you. You could encounter someone with an acute overdose in many different scenarios, and naloxone can be lifesaving.

Ohio’s Good Samaritan law grants immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia for the person who overdosed and the person who called 911.

The best intervention is prevention! If you know anyone who is struggling with drug addiction, call 1-800-662-4357 for a 24/7 treatment referral line.

Sources:
The American Red Cross
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice: JPHMP