How to respond

• Call triple zero 000
• If they’re unconscious, lay them on their side in the recovery position
• Don’t leave them alone
• If they’ve taken opioids, and you have access to Naloxone, use it
• Tell the paramedics what drug/s they’ve had. Paramedics are there to help and will not involve the police.‍
  

Other signs and responses

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If a person gets really drowsy (one of the risks with alcohol, heroin or tranquilisers):

• Call triple zero 000
• Try to keep them awake
• Lay them on their side (recovery position) and keep talking to them
• Don’t try to ‘wake them up’ with coffee, shaking or shouting

If a person gets tense, anxious or panicky (one of the risks with speed, ice, MDMA, LSD/acid and magic mushrooms):

• Talk to them calmly
• Reassure them and explain the feelings will pass
• Take them to a quieter place away from bright lights, loud music and crowds
• Encourage them to take long, slow, deep breaths

If someone gets dehydrated (one of the risks with MDMA (ecstasy), ice and speed). Symptoms include cramps, sudden tiredness, headache or fainting:

• Take them outside or to a cooler place
• Encourage them to sip water or non-alcoholic drinks (no more than 250ml per hour)
• Remove any excess clothing, or apply a cold compress, like ice wrapped in a cloth, to cool them  
• If they feel faint, lie them on their side in the recovery position
• If symptoms continue call triple zero 000
• Symptoms of dehydration include cramps, sudden tiredness, headache or fainting.