Step 1: Get HelpCall 911

Tell them you have a friend who is not breathing.

Make sure EMS has a clear path to get to you, and doors are unlocked. Give clear directions.

Step 1

Step 2: Rescue breathing

Step 2

Instructions for rescue breathing

• Put the facemask, found in your rescue kit, on the victim’s face

• Tilt victim’s head back, make sure nothing is blocking the airway, and pinch nose

• Give 2 quick breaths and count to 5

• Give 1 long breath

• Continue giving 1 breath every 5 seconds

Step 2

If you are trained to give CPR, do it. Do not give rescue breathing

If you are trained to give CPR, for Step 2, give CPR instead of rescue breathing.

Remember: 1 round of CPR = • 2 breaths• 30 compressions

Step 2

Rescue breathing or CPR

Sometimes, the victim may wake up just from the oxygen alone. If so, do not continue to Step 3.

Step 2

Step 3: Administer naloxone

Step 3

Administering naloxone

Nasal: Spray half of the vial of naloxone into each nostril

Injectable: Inject the entire vial into the upper arm or thigh

• Continue rescue breathing (or CPR, if you’re trained) as needed

• If the person doesn’t respond to 1st vial of naloxone, wait 2-5 minutes and give the 2nd vial

Step 3

Naloxone (Narcan)

• Reverses temporarily opiate effect of sedation and respiratory depression

• Takes effect within 2 - 8 minutes

• Causes sudden withdrawal in the opioid dependent person – an unpleasant experience

• Can’t get high from it

• Has no effect if an opiate is not present

• Routinely used by EMS (but in larger doses)

Step 3

After naloxone is given: Awake and breathing

Naloxone/Narcan wears off in 30-90 minutes

• Reassure the victim if s/he is feeling dope-sick – the naloxone will wear off. Using more drugs won’t have any effect while naloxone present.

• Instruct victim to go to the hospital with EMS for monitoring.

Step 3

If the victim starts breathing place her/him in the recovery position to prevent choking on vomit.

Recovery Position