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Learn what to do if someone overdoses

If you or someone you know uses opioids like fentanyl or prescription pain medications, you should know about overdose and naloxone. Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/overdose/care

Identify an opioid overdose

An illustration of a person lying on the ground.

Unresponsive

Not waking up, odd sleeping positions.

An illustration of a person’s head. An x over breath lines shows not breathing.

Breathing

No breathing, slow, irregular or noisy breaths (snoring/gurgling).

An illustration of a grey hand and arm with sweat droplets. A yellow hand reaches down to touch the skin.

Skin

Cold, sweaty; gray, pale, or blue skin/lips.

An illustration of two people, one laying on the ground. The other is above them, with lines indicating yelling and shaking the shoulder of the person laying down.

Won't wake up

Say their name, try to wake them up.

What to do

An illustration of a phone.

Call 9-1-1

Overdose is a medical emergency. Washington has laws that protect you and the person overdosing from prosecution for drug possession.

An illustration of administering naloxone nasal spray. A hand holds naloxone with pointer and middle finger on either side, and thumb on the plunger. The spray is inserted all the way into a nostril, and droplets indicate dispensing the medication.

Administer Naloxone

Insert nasal spray all the way into the nostril (until it touches your knuckles) and press the plunger with your thumb.

An illustration of a person leaning over another person. Lines indicate the a person breathing.

Rescue breathing

Give 1 normal breath every 5 seconds. Not awake after 2-5 minutes? Give another does of naloxone and continue rescue breathing.

An illustration of an ambulance.

Ensure safety

Stay with them for 2 hours (if able) if EMS isn't involved.

An illustration of naloxone nasal spray.

Get Naloxone

Naloxone is safe, life-saving, and you don't need a prescription to get it. There are many ways to find free and low cost naloxone near you.

  • Naloxone finder: Explore options to get naloxone for free near you.
  • Vending machines: Free, confidential access to naloxone and other supplies.
  • Pharmacies: Naloxone if available over-the-counter at many pharmacies. It’s also available using the Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone and insurance; if you have Apple Health (WA Medicaid) there’s no copay.

Supplies

This page is also available as a printable flyer and is available to order in poster, flyer, postcard, and business card formats.

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