Awareness and First Aid

Knowing how to identify a drug overdose and what action to take could save someone’s life.  

Overdose incidents occur every day – whether from illegal drugs, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Daneel Scheepers, branch manager at ER24 Rustenburg, says the effects can be mild, dangerous, or fatal, adding that it’s important to distinguish between an intentional overdose (purposely self-inflicted, as in cases of suicide) and an unintentional (accidental) event.

Drugs involve a range of substances including:

  • opioids (such as heroin and painkillers)
  • benzodiazepines (used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures)
  • stimulants (including methamphetamine and cocaine)
  • alcohol

Accidental drug overdoses

Unintentional drug poisoning cases can mean:

  • a drug was taken accidentally
  • too much of a drug was taken accidentally
  • the wrong drug was given or taken in error

As Scheepers says, if a person in recovery has been clean for a while, and then restarts their alcohol or drug habit, they might accidentally overdose. “Although their bodies used to be able to tolerate a certain amount of alcohol or drugs, returning to that former dose after abstaining for an extended period can cause illness or death.”

Signs of a drug overdose

Scheepers says although each type of drug has a different effect on the body, common signs of drug overdose include:

  • Unconsciousness or extreme confusion
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Bluish or pale skin, lips, or fingertips
  • Vomiting or gurgling sounds
  • Seizures or muscle twitches

If you suspect a drug overdose, immediately call ER24 on 084 124. Give the ER24 Emergency Resource Officer as many details as possible, such as the type of drug, the amount taken, and when it was taken. Be clear and calm and be sure to give an accurate address so crews can respond swiftly.

First aid for drug overdose

“We encourage people to stay with the person until help arrives,” says Scheepers. “Keep the patient awake and responsive, if possible. Don’t try to make the person vomit drugs that may have been swallowed. Choking or inhaling vomit into the lungs can cause a fatal injury.”

 If the person is unconscious but still breathing, place them in the recovery position. “This involves rolling them onto their side, tilting their head back to keep the airway open, and bending their top leg to stabilise their position,” says Scheepers. “Don’t put the person into a cold bath or shower to try wake them up, as this increases their risk of slipping, drowning, or going into shock.”

If the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse, the ER24 Emergency Resource Officer might tell you to begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) while you wait for the emergency medical crew to arrive. “Remember, you don’t need to perform mouth-to-mouth – "hands-only CPR" is considered acceptable in many situations, especially for untrained bystanders,” says Daneel.

All information is useful

Look for any medication containers or drug paraphernalia that could provide information to healthcare professionals about what drug was taken. When ER24 arrives, offer as much information as you can, such as the patient’s medical history (if you know it); if they have allergies and if they are taking any prescription medication.

Family members can be proactive in supporting someone with addiction by showing empathy, avoiding judgment, and encouraging them to seek help, says Tammy Dicks, ER24 Trauma Support Co-ordinator. “It's important for them to educate themselves about addiction, offer a listening ear, and be patient. Setting healthy boundaries and providing a stable, supportive environment can make a big difference. Encouraging them to attend treatment programs, counselling, or support groups, and even participating in family therapy sessions, can also be very helpful. Being there for them – without enabling the addiction – is key.”