GuardAssist
GuardAssist
UK Operational Guidance
999
Emergency First Aid
All emergency guides
Emergency

Drug Overdose

critical

Common in venues. Recovery position, call 999, consider naloxone for opioids.

Call 999 where appropriate

Recognise

  • Opioids (heroin, oxycodone): pinpoint pupils, slow/absent breathing, blue lips, unresponsive.
  • Stimulants (cocaine, MDMA): agitation, chest pain, seizures, overheating, fast pulse.
  • Depressants (GHB, benzos, alcohol): unresponsive, slow breathing.

Actions

  • Dial 999. Tell them what was taken if known — no legal risk to casualty.
  • If unresponsive but breathing: recovery position.
  • If not breathing: CPR.
  • Suspected opioid: administer naloxone if available and trained (see naloxone guide).
  • Cool overheating stimulant users; keep calm environment.
  • Preserve substances/packaging for paramedics.

GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.