ⓘ If you see someone exhibiting the below overdose symptoms, give them NARCAN and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Opioid overdose occurs when a person takes more opioids than the body can handle. Overdose can occur seconds to hours after taking opioids and can cause death. Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult. If you aren’t sure, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose—you could save a life. If you see someone exhibiting the below symptoms, give them NARCAN and call 9-1-1 immediately.

7 Signs of Overdose

Symptom	Description
	Cannot be woken up or not moving
	Small pupils
	Breathing slow or absent
	Cold or clammy skin
	Choking, coughing, gurgling, or snoring sounds
	Dizzy or disoriented
	Discoloration of lips and nails

What to do During an Overdose

During an opioid emergency, it can only take four minutes for brain damage to occur after someone stops breathing, and death can result in another four-to-six minutes. NARCAN can reverse the effects of an opioid emergency by restoring breathing while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive. Remember these important actions in case of a suspected opioid emergency. 

Action	Description
	1. Check for a response. Lightly shake the person or yell their name. If they don’t respond, lay them on their back and tilt their head back.
	2. Give NARCAN and call 9-1-1. If you have NARCAN, insert the nozzle into either nostril and press the plunger firmly. Call 9-1-1 immediately after giving the first dose. More than one dose of NARCAN be be used if needed. NARCAN starts working within a few minutes and lasts for up to 120 minutes.
	3. Stay with the person. Continue to give doses as needed and wait until help arrives. Put the person on their side to prevent choking.