Safety Tips for Dealing with a Drug Overdose

A drug overdose can be fatal. Getting help for someone who has had a drug overdose could save a life. If you think someone has taken a drug overdose or is showing the following symptoms, call an ambulance - dial 000 - straight away.

If someone has taken drugs, try to determine what has been taken in case the person becomes sick, unconscious or needs medical attention.

Some warning signs that could indicate a drug overdose:

• Severe Headaches
• Fainting
• Stomach Cramps
• Vomiting
• Feeling unusually hot or cold or just unwell
• Becoming confused or irrational
• Having trouble breathing
• Falling asleep/losing consciousness
• Collapse
• Having a convulsion (a fit)

The Ambulance is there to help. You need to provide the ambulance officers with as much information as possible. Tell them exactly what the person has been taking, when it was taken and, if possible, how much was taken. The ambulance officers do not have to call the police unless they are in danger themselves, someone dies, or there are other non-drug crimes such as violence or theft.