Kane County Health Department

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​​ About Opioids
Substance Use Disorder
​Signs of an Overdose​
​What is Fenta​nyl?​
What is Xylazine?
FAQ
Kane County Statistics​
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​Signs of an Opioid Overdose and What To Do ​

When a person overdoses, breathing will slow dangerously and may stop altogether, eventually leading to brain damage or death. Signs of an opioid overdose may include some or all of the following: 


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​Pale, blue or cold skin
​Pinpoint pupils (center part of eye is very small)​
​Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
​Limp body
​Choking or gurgling sounds
​Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing

  1. ​Try to arouse the person by shaking shoulders and calling their name.

  2. Call 911 (or step 3, whichever you can do quickest).

  3. Spray naloxone in one nostril. Move the person to their side (recovery position).

  4. If symptoms return or the person does not respond by waking up to voice or touch after 2-3 minutes, give another dose in the other nostril.

  5. Start rescue breathing if you have a one-way barrier.

  6. Stay until help arrives.​


Do not wait for an overdose situation to occur before learning the steps to save a life. Get naloxone and learn how to use it​. 

Naloxone is not a substitute for calling 911. If you have naloxone, use it first, then call 911.