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Emergency Mode

Action protocols for substance-related emergencies

This information DOES NOT replace professional medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.

Emergency numbers

What to do in an emergency

1

Stay calm

Do not leave the person alone. Your presence can be vital.

2

Call emergency services

Tell them which substance(s) were used, how much, when, and the person's current state.

3

Recovery position

If the person is unconscious but breathing, lay them on their side to prevent choking on vomit.

4

Do not induce vomiting

Unless a medical professional explicitly instructs you to do so.

5

Monitor vital signs

Breathing, pulse and level of consciousness. Report changes to emergency services.

6

What to tell the paramedic

Name of the substance(s), approximate dose, time of intake, other substances mixed and any prior medical conditions.

Known antidotes and treatments

These treatments must be administered only by medical staff. This table is informational and does not replace clinical assessment.

Opioids

(heroin, fentanyl)
Naloxone (Narcan)

Competitive mu-opioid receptor antagonist. Reverses respiratory depression.

Benzodiazepines

(diazepam, alprazolam)
Flumazenil

Competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor.

Paracetamol

(acetaminophen)
N-acetylcysteine

Glutathione precursor; neutralises the hepatotoxic metabolite NAPQI.

Anticholinergics

(scopolamine, brugmansia)
Physostigmine

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; restores cholinergic transmission.

Serotonin syndrome

(MDMA, SSRIs)
Cyproheptadine, benzodiazepines, cooling

Serotonergic antagonism (5-HT2A), sedation and hyperthermia control.

Stimulants

(cocaine, amphetamines)
Benzodiazepines for agitation, cooling for hyperthermia

No specific antidote. Symptomatic treatment of agitation, seizures and hyperthermia.

GHB / Alcohol

(GHB, ethanol)
Ventilatory support

No specific antidote. Airway management and assisted ventilation.

Warning signs

Loss of consciousness
Very slow or irregular breathing (< 12 breaths/min)
Blue lips or fingertips (cyanosis)
Seizures
Very high body temperature (> 40 °C)
Severe chest pain
Severe confusion or extreme agitation
Vomiting while unconscious

If you notice any of these signs, call your local emergency number immediately.