Responding to a suspected overdose
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 6 of 25

Call emergency services immediately. Fast action matters even when you are unsure which substance is involved.

Take these steps
- Check for immediate hazards before approaching.
- Try to get a response and check whether breathing is normal.
- Call 911; use speakerphone if possible. Tell the dispatcher your exact location.
- Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is possible and it is available. Follow the kit directions.
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR as directed by the dispatcher. Use an AED if available and follow its prompts.
- If unconscious but breathing normally, place the person on their side and monitor breathing. Stay until help arrives.

Avoid harmful responses
Do not give food, drinks, or more substances. Do not put someone in a cold shower or leave them alone. If breathing changes, tell the dispatcher immediately. Naloxone does not replace breathing support or medical care.

If you are helping someone
If you are a child or teen, call 911 and get a trusted adult if possible. Keep yourself safe and follow the dispatcher.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Practise saying your address and explaining “unresponsive and not breathing normally.”

Learn more
CDC — Responding to overdose
https://cdc.gov/stop-overdose/response/index.html

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/responding-to-a-suspected-overdose

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

Free to share and print. Keep instructions, source links, dates and TRDP credit intact. Check the current web page before reprinting.