Overdose First Aid

Call 000 paramedics quickly

Do not be afraid of getting in trouble if you need to provide overdose first aid. Paramedics do not notify the police unless their own life is in danger from bystanders… Paramedics carry a range of medication that can assist the overdosed casualty to recover quickly.

Steps to take for First Aid during an overdose

It is important to know what to do with a drug overdose.  Here are some steps:

• Stay calm! If the casualty is unconscious and breathing, turn them on their side,
• Call triple zero (000) and request the ambulance
• If possible, try and determine what drug was taken. For eg. alcohol
• Continually observe the casualty ensuring that they are still breathing normally
• If not breathing commence CPR.

Staying calm will help provide Better first aid support

When you are speaking to the triple zero operator, they will provide you with further advice, so by staying as calm as you can, this will help provide first aid to the casualty.

Drugs are always around everywhere, and it’s so important to discuss the plan, especially with children as having a plan to seek help will save lives.