Emergency Information

This page provides critical information for emergency situations related to substance use. In any emergency, call 911 immediately.

🚨 EMERGENCY CONTACTS

911

Call immediately for any life-threatening situation

1-800-222-1222

Poison Control Center (24/7)

When to Call Emergency Services (911)

⚠️ Call 911 Immediately If:

  • Person is unconscious or unresponsive
  • Severe breathing problems or stopped breathing
  • Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Severe agitation or aggression
  • Extreme paranoia or psychosis
  • Severe vomiting or signs of dehydration
  • Overdose symptoms (see below)

💡 Good Samaritan Laws

Many jurisdictions have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call emergency services for drug overdoses. It's better to call and potentially save a life than to avoid calling due to legal concerns.

Overdose Response

🚨 SUSPECTED OVERDOSE

If you suspect someone has overdosed, act immediately:

Immediate Response Steps:

  1. Call 911 immediately - Don't wait to see if they get better
  2. Check responsiveness - Try to wake them up
  3. Check breathing - Look, listen, and feel for breathing
  4. Administer naloxone if available and trained (for opioid overdose)
  5. Stay with the person until help arrives
  6. Be honest with medical professionals about what substances were used

Overdose Symptoms by Substance Type

Opioid Overdose

  • Slow or stopped breathing
  • Unconsciousness
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Blue lips/fingertips
  • Snoring or gurgling sounds

Stimulant Overdose

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Agitation or paranoia
  • Seizures
  • Hyperthermia (high body temperature)

Benzodiazepine Overdose

  • Severe drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Respiratory depression

Bad Trip Management

⚠️ Psychedelic Crisis

Bad trips can be extremely distressing but are rarely life-threatening. The key is to remain calm and provide reassurance.

How to Help Someone Having a Bad Trip:

  1. Stay calm - Your calmness will help them
  2. Reassure them - Tell them they're safe and the effects will pass
  3. Change the environment - Move to a quiet, comfortable space
  4. Reduce stimulation - Turn off loud music, bright lights
  5. Stay with them - Don't leave them alone
  6. Remind them of time - Tell them how long it's been
  7. Call for help if they become violent or suicidal

💡 What NOT to Do

  • Don't panic or show fear
  • Don't try to "talk them out of it"
  • Don't restrain them unless absolutely necessary
  • Don't give them other drugs to "calm them down"

Panic Attack Response

Helping Someone Having a Panic Attack:

  1. Stay calm and speak in a soothing voice
  2. Guide their breathing - "Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4"
  3. Ground them - Ask them to name 5 things they can see, 4 they can touch, etc.
  4. Move to a quiet space if possible
  5. Reassure them that panic attacks are not dangerous
  6. Stay with them until it passes

Seizure Response

🚨 SEIZURE - Call 911

Seizures can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

During a Seizure:

  1. Call 911 immediately
  2. Clear the area - Remove dangerous objects
  3. Don't restrain them - Let the seizure run its course
  4. Don't put anything in their mouth
  5. Turn them on their side if possible
  6. Time the seizure - Note how long it lasts
  7. Stay with them until help arrives

Heat-Related Emergency

⚠️ Heat Stroke/Severe Dehydration

Common with stimulants and MDMA use, especially in hot environments like raves.

Signs and Response:

  1. Recognize symptoms: High body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, headache, nausea
  2. Move to cool area immediately
  3. Remove excess clothing
  4. Cool them down with wet cloths or ice packs
  5. Give small sips of water if conscious
  6. Call 911 if symptoms are severe

First Aid Kit Essentials

Recommended Items for Your First Aid Kit:

  • Naloxone (for opioid overdose)
  • Bandages and gauze
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Thermometer
  • Emergency blanket
  • Water and electrolyte drinks
  • Emergency contacts list
  • Flashlight
  • Phone charger

🚨 Getting Narcan (Naloxone)

Life-Saving Medication

Narcan (naloxone) can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives. It's available without a prescription in most states and can be obtained for free.

  • Narcan.delivery - Find state-by-state Narcan information and free vendors (US only)
  • Local Pharmacies: Many pharmacies now carry Narcan without prescription
  • Harm Reduction Organizations: Often provide free Narcan and training
  • Health Departments: Many state and local health departments offer free Narcan

Prevention Strategies

Reduce Emergency Risk:

  • Always test your substances
  • Start with low doses
  • Never use alone
  • Know your limits
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take breaks in hot environments
  • Have naloxone available
  • Know the signs of overdose