Overdose- Call the paramedics quickly

There have been many occasions, especially with young people that when one of their group has overdosed on drugs and they have not contacted the paramedics because they thought they would get into trouble because the police would also be called.

Paramedics do not notify the police unless their own life is in danger from bystanders… Paramedics also carry a range of medications that can assist the overdosed casualty in recovering quickly.

At the end of this post, I have provided a link with a drug and alcohol chart first aid treatment that is specifically designed for the younger person. It’s a bit funky to appeal to that age group. This chart highlights the fact that police are not routinely called when someone rings for the paramedics to attend.

It also has simple first aid instructions to help whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The vital message behind the chart is to look after your mates and this is part of the education. Education can start in the home in a casual conversation around drugs and calling triple zero when someone overdoses. It is so important that children, teens and young adults understand the police are not involved unless paramedics have concern for their own safety…

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

A. Stay calm and if unconscious and breathing, turn the casualty onto their side
B. Call triple zero and request the ambulance
C. If possible, try and determine what drug was taken eg alcohol
D. Continually observe the casualty and ensure they can still breath adequately

When speaking to the triple zero operator, they will also provide you with further advice, so by staying calm you will be able to listen and provide additional first aid to your mate.

Drugs are always around, and it’s so important to discuss the plan, especially with children as having a plan to seek help will save lives. Please share the chart and post it with your friends as it carries an important topic to educate our kids.

See all our First Aid Charts