Heroin and fentanyl are both opioids that can cause overdose and death when taken in excess. Opioid overdoses can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone has overdosed on heroin or fentanyl, it is important to act quickly to save their life.

Here are some steps you can take to save someone’s life if they overdose on heroin or fentanyl:

1. Recognize the signs of an overdose The signs of an opioid overdose include:

• Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
• Blue or pale skin, lips, or nails
• Pinpoint pupils
• Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Cold and clammy skin
• Vomiting or gurgling sounds

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to act quickly to save the person’s life.

2. Call 911 If you suspect someone has overdosed on heroin or fentanyl, the first thing you should do is call 911. Tell the operator that the person is experiencing an opioid overdose and provide your location. The operator can dispatch emergency medical services to your location and provide guidance on how to perform first aid until help arrives.
3. Administer naloxone Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing. Naloxone is available as an injection or a nasal spray and can be administered by anyone, including family members, friends, or bystanders. Naloxone is safe and has no potential for abuse.

If you have access to naloxone, administer it as soon as possible. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully, and remember that naloxone can wear off quickly, so it is important to continue monitoring the person’s breathing and level of consciousness.

4. Perform rescue breathing If the person is not breathing or is breathing very slowly, perform rescue breathing. Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open their airway. Pinch their nose shut and give two slow breaths into their mouth, watching for their chest to rise with each breath. If the person does not begin breathing on their own, continue rescue breathing until help arrives.
5. Stay with the person Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive. Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness, and be prepared to perform rescue breathing or administer naloxone again if necessary.

It is important to remember that opioid overdose can be fatal, and the person may require additional medical treatment even after they have been revived. If the person is conscious and able to communicate, encourage them to seek medical attention and offer to assist them in getting the help they need.

It is also important to take steps to prevent opioid overdose in the first place. If you or someone you know is using opioids, consider taking the following steps to reduce the risk of overdose:

• Use opioids only as prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Do not mix opioids with other drugs or alcohol
• Do not use opioids alone
• Have naloxone available and know how to use it
• Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of opioid overdose or withdrawal

In conclusion, opioid overdose can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone has overdosed on heroin or fentanyl, call 911, administer naloxone if available, perform rescue breathing, and stay with the person until help arrives. It is also important to take steps to prevent opioid overdose in the first place, such as using opioids only as prescribed and having naloxone available.