First Aid & Emergencies

Drug Overdose Treatment

 Call 911 if the person has: 

• Collapsed
• Stopped breathing

1. Begin CPR, if Necessary

If the person is not breathing or breathing is dangerously weak:

• For a child, start CPR for children

• For an adult, start adult CPR

2. Contact Poison Control

• Call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 (in U.S.) even if the person has no symptoms.

• Poison Control experts will advise you how to proceed.

• Do not try to make the person vomit or give the person anything to eat or drink.

3. Collect Drug or Pills

• Give drug or pills the person may have taken to the emergency team, or take them to the emergency room or doctor's office.

4. Follow Up

• At the hospital, the person's stomach may be pumped.

• Activated charcoal may be given by mouth to absorb the drug.

• A psychiatric evaluation will be ordered if the overdose was intentional.