People are sometimes reluctant to call an ambulance for fear of police involvement. However, you should always call an ambulance if you suspect someone is at risk of overdose. In many places, the police will only attend if there is a fatality or other circumstances warranting police attendance, such as, a threat to the ambulance crew.
Seeking emergency help isn’t just for when someone is unconscious. You should also seek emergency help when someone is:
- Having a seizure.
- Experiencing severe headache.
- Experiencing chest pain.
- Experiencing breathing difficulties.
- Extremely paranoid, agitated and/or confused.
It is not necessary for someone to have all of these signs or symptoms for them to be overdosing. Exhibiting one or two could still mean they are in trouble and need emergency help.
Don’t ignore snoring and gurgling
Snoring and gurgling can indicate that a person is having trouble breathing. When someone has used substances and is snoring, don’t let them “sleep it off. You should attempt to wake them immediately. If they do wake up, then no further action is needed. If they do not wake up, call emergency services and ask for an ambulance. Follow the instructions from the operator.