The big three signs of an opioid overdose, such as one from fentanyl, are slow to no breathing, unconsciousness, and pinpoint pupils. Here’s how you can check for those three:
1. Slow to no breathing: Place your hand on the person’s chest to feel for the rise and fall of their breath. You can also place your hand under their nose or over their mouth and feel for their warm breath.
2. Unconsciousness: Start by shouting the person’s name and asking if they can hear you. If they don’t respond verbally, you can cause some painful stimuli. Give them a “trap pinch” by pinching the corner between their neck and shoulder as hard as you can. If they’re overdosing, they may not respond to this.
3. Pinpoint pupils: Use a flashlight, like the one on your smartphone. Lift their eyelid and shine the flashlight into their eye for three to five seconds. Normal pupils will dilate when the light is removed, but someone with a fentanyl overdose will have pinpoint pupils.
It’s critical to call 9-1-1 when somebody is overdosed to ensure they get the medical attention they need. Many states have Good Samaritan laws to protect people who call 9-1-1 in such situations.
Narcan, or naloxone, is an opioid blocker used to reverse overdoses. Administering Narcan can save lives, but it’s essential to call 9-1-1 immediately afterward and seek medical attention.
Additionally, if you’re using opioids or other drugs, it’s crucial to carry Narcan, not use alone, and test your drugs for fentanyl contamination. Test strips can help detect fentanyl in substances, but they’re not foolproof, and you should still take precautions.
Remember, if someone presents a pill claiming it’s safe because it’s been tested, don’t trust it. Only take medications prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a legitimate pharmacy. It’s essential to take these steps to keep yourself and others safe and potentially save lives.
