If someone becomes unwell or collapses it is very important to treat it as an emergency and get help immediately. Don’t wait for things to get better or for the drug to wear off. If a person is unwell they need help ASAP and getting help can save a life. If you are worried that you will get yourself or the person into trouble, don’t forget that you are helping and later people will be thankful that you did.
The recovery position
The recovery position is a safe and stable position for someone who is unconscious or nearly unconscious. It places them in a balanced position on their side and with the head supported. The recovery position ensures:
- The airway (mouth) is open and remains open
- Drainage can occur, in case of vomiting and choking.
Call an ambulance immediately (dial 000 from anywhere in Australia). Remain calm and speak clearly. Let them know the state you are calling from and the location including the street name and nearest intersection, if you know this. Tell them what you think has happened. They may ask you to tell them what the person has taken and how much as well as what you have done before making the call. The operator will tell you what to do next.
REMEMBER: The ambulance officers are only interested in helping and police will not be contacted unless they feel threatened or if there is a death.
What NOT to do in an emergency:
- DON’T hesitate to call an ambulance in the hope that things will get better, every second counts
- DON’T put the person in a bath, pool or throw water on them as they could go into shock, choke or drown
- DON’T give them anything to drink if they are unconscious as this could cause them to choke or vomit. If a person has vomited there is a risk they may inhale vomit.
While you wait for the ambulance, if the person is conscious/responding:
- Take the person to a safe place where they are out of harms way
- Provide them water to sip slowly
- Stay calm
- Reassure them that what is happening will pass. Its important to try to keep the person relaxed and calm.
If the person is unconscious/not responding follow the St John Ambulance DRABCD Action Plan
Danger – check for danger to you, the casualty and others.
Response – see if they are unconscious or conscious. If there is no response to your voice or your touch call an ambulance straight away. If there is someone else present get them to make the call.
Airway – open the airway and clear foreign objects. If there is anything blocking the airway, place the person in the recovery position (link this to a sub page on the recovery position) and scoop the mouth from top to bottom with two fingers.
Breathing – check breathing. You need to feel two substantial breaths in ten seconds. If this is not felt place the person in the recovery position (link this to a sub page on the recovery position) and call for an ambulance immediately. This must be done before CPR is commenced.
CPR – If the person is not breathing start CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) if you know how to do so. CPR involves giving 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute followed by ventilating the person by giving them 2 breathes. If you are not sure how to do this, the emergency operator will tell you how to assist the person before the ambulance arrives. Remember – It’s important to keep doing CPR once you have started. DO NOT stop and start CPR.
Defibrillation – If there is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) nearby use it now. It has voice instructions. If there is not one the ambulance officers will commence defibrillation when they arrive.
If the casualty starts to breathe, place them in the recovery position (link this to a sub page on the recovery position). Reassure them and cover them with a blanket if there is one available and they are cold. Stay with them and check their breathing and signs of life every two minutes.
When the Ambulance officers arrive:
- Tell them what you think has happened
- Tell them what you think the person may have taken
- Explain anything that you have done
- Before they leave ask them which hospital they are taking the person to so you can let others know.
When the Ambulance leaves:
- Think about who might need to be called and who should make these calls
- Plan a way to get home or to the hospital safely
- Recognise that you have been dealing with a crisis. Witnessing and responding to an overdose can be very stressful. It’s not unusual to feel shocked or upset. Don’t be afraid to seek support now or anytime in the future from friends, family or a professional (link to where to get help).