Ready to Respond

Module 3 of 4

Module 03

Respond and stay safe

By the end of this module you will be able to

  • Take the right steps in order while an overdose is happening.

  • Give rescue breaths and place someone in the recovery position.

  • Know what to say when you call 911 and what to expect as the person wakes up.

Responding to an overdose

Once you have recognized an overdose and given naloxone, a few more steps keep the person alive and safe until help arrives. The placeholder steps below are a starting point. Replace them with Georgia Overdose Prevention's approved wording before you go live.

The steps, in order

1. Try to wake them. Shout their name and rub your knuckles firmly on their breastbone.

2. Call 911. Say the person is not breathing or is unresponsive and give the address.

3. Give naloxone as you learned in Module 02.

4. Give rescue breaths if they are not breathing: tilt the head back, pinch the nose, and give one breath every 5 seconds.

5. If they start breathing on their own, place them in the recovery position and stay with them.

The recovery position

Roll the person onto their side, with the bottom arm reaching forward and the top knee bent for support. This keeps the airway open and helps prevent choking if they get sick.

As they wake up

Naloxone can bring on sudden withdrawal, so the person may wake up confused, frightened, or upset. Stay calm, explain what happened, and encourage them not to take more drugs, which will not help and can be dangerous.

Do not leave them alone. Naloxone can wear off before the opioids do, so the overdose can return. Stay until emergency responders arrive and take over.